Noah Podolsky is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mountain Pointe High School for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX -- Francisco Orduno Jr. started playing football at 13 years old and despite limited experience, decided at 16 to leave his parents and two sisters behind in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, to move to Arizona, to live with his aunt and pursue football aspirations.

“When I first came out here, it was hard for me to leave all that life behind,” Francisco said. “Like with a snap, I was definitely not expecting for me to come to Arizona.”

He remained determined, eventually earning recognition as the No.1 kicker in Arizona. On Sept. 16, the Mountain Pointe senior made his commitment announcement to Northern Arizona University football, a life-changing milestone for his sacrifices. 

“There were definitely some sleepless nights,” he said. “ I just wanted to pursue my dreams and I just pushed through.” 

Orduno Jr.’s father, Francisco Orduno Sr., and mother, Veronica Rodriguez, never anticipated their son moving away, across the border. Francisco’s parents realized his football kicking potential early and put their son's dream first.

“It was difficult and sad because he was 16,” Francisco’s mother said. “Imagine 16, for Mexican people it’s too difficult because we are very protective with the children. We wanted to separate like two or three years most, but we are happy because he’s making a lot of things happen to get his goals.” 

Leaving home meant Francisco had to mature and grow up faster than most.

“Biggest thing I’ve learned is basically living by myself,” Francisco said. “I feel like I gained a lot of knowledge, but it’s like being a so-called adult.” 

Despite gaining more independence and freedom at such a young age, Francisco never let his football goals fall out of sight. He worked towards goals by remaining disciplined and developing strong habits.

“He’s done well, he’s very disciplined,” Francisco’s father said. “He’s behaved very properly, he’s been respectful with what we ask. No alcohol, no street life, making sure he goes to school.”

Francisco originally enrolled at Mountain Pointe as a sophomore in 2023 and joined the varsity football team late, arriving in August. He credits his teammates for making his transition smooth. 

“Practice had already started with the team in July, so I had to acclimate myself with my teammates,” Francisco said. “It was a really nice experience. They really had so much care for me.”

Since moving to Arizona nearly three years ago, Francisco has expressed a clear dual identity between his life in Mexico and the U.S. Francisco takes his opportunity in the U.S. very seriously.

“I feel like I have two different lives,” Francisco said. “It’s definitely two different lifestyles. I have my friends over there, my friends over here. I have all my teammates at school, but I see it more as a working opportunity for growing and to prove myself.”

Francisco has consistently trained with kicking specialty coach Alex Zendejas Jr. ever since he moved to Arizona. Zendejas Jr. emphasized how Francisco’s work ethic and mentality separates him on and off the field.

“He’s mature beyond his age,” Zendejas Jr. said. “He’s just locked in. That discipline, it shows through that work ethic, where we’re putting in the work, Monday through Thursday and then sure enough Friday, that’s where it all comes together.”

Francisco’s ability to work hard regardless of his situation stood out to Jon Roberts, first-year head coach of the Pride,  as well. 

“He’s a very self-motivated individual,”  Roberts said. “He’s constantly working. I think he has a 3.9 GPA. He knew why he came to the United States and he’s done everything possible to make sure that his dream to play collegiate football is going to happen.”

Francisco’s parents still try to reunite with him as much as possible, regardless of living between countries. For his family, distance is no obstacle for staying connected.

“We will head to the game sometimes on Fridays,” Francisco’s father said. “We just get off work and then just head there, come back that very same Friday. If we have anything to do it’s secondary because the most important thing is to go and see him.”

Francisco Orduno Jr. stands with family after a football game in Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Francisco Orduno Jr.)Francisco is a testament to the sacrifices and extraordinary lengths it takes to turn dreams to reality. His journey is far from over.

“You just have to take sacrifices and risks to fulfill the life you want to have in the future,” Francisco. said. “What I’m doing right now is for the better of myself and for the better of everything.”