Athletes are commonly known to be evaluated based on physical skill. However, the mark of a true, well-rounded athlete is determined by other factors that are not as easily seen including work ethic, relationship-building and team player mentality, as well as perseverance. 15-year-old Columbus Crew U-15 player, Richmond (“Richie”) Luong is an athlete that embodies all those values.

Richie began his soccer career when he was just five years old and through commitment to his craft, has quickly become a star player. He is now signed as a left-back/winger for the Columbus Crew U-15 academy team, which he credits as being one of the highlights of his career so far.

It’s safe to say that Richie’s soccer journey has been eventful, to say the least, and has presented him with many travel opportunities. In November, he was selected to attend the U-15 Men’s Youth National Team Domestic Training Camp in Atlanta, Georgia. The next month, he was called to Palm Springs, California for the MLS (Major League Soccer) NEXT Fest (tournament) with the U-16 team. Richie also recently returned from Cairo, Egypt, where he and the U-15 team played against athletes from England, Egypt, the Ivory Coast, and Japan, placing 2nd in the ZED International League tournament. It was there that Richie’s teammates also nominated him to be interviewed as “Man of the Match.” He has also played in the National Cup, which is US Club Soccer’s cup-based championship competition. Richie’s latest opportunities took him to Dubai in April to compete in the Mina Cup and Maryland in May to compete in the MLS NEXT Flex tournament.  Given his accomplishments at such a young age, it’s no wonder that Richie was selected to the Olympic Development Program National Team, an honor he considers to be one of the highest bestowed upon him thus far.

When he’s not playing soccer, Richie can be found enjoying the Muirfield Village community, where he moved to in July of 2024. Through the Columbus Crew Academy Homestay Program, which allows elite youth soccer players the opportunity to become full-time athletes while residing with Columbus-based families, he was connected to his hospitable host parents, Kevin and Amber James. Richie has quickly become a special part of the family, and has been welcomed into the James’ Pizza Friday tradition.

It is clear to all who have the opportunity to watch Richie play that the young athlete possesses natural talents. However, what is even more apparent is his humility and his strong work ethic. Player evaluations consistently list his strengths as focus (intensity), maximum effort (work ethic), concentration, and commitment to the process (sacrifice). Coaches have also recognized him for challenging himself, pursuing his goals, persevering through obstacles, being a role model under all circumstances, building relationships, and supporting his teammates and staff - Values that Amber James credits to the way his family raised him. 

What’s next for the 15-year-old soccer star? Richie hopes to eventually be accepted into a great college on a soccer scholarship. Until then, you can find him perfecting his craft on the pitch, all while balancing having fun and working hard.