His mother took a risk on him
(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Bibiana Montoya grew up in Colombia and moved to the United States in search of a better life in 2018.
She immigrated to Batesville and married Dave Hooten.
Her son, Niko, moved with her and while in Batesville he developed a soccer talent that got the attention of the MLS club FC Dallas.
Once again, Bibiana decided to move, this time to risk it all for her son in 2021.
They moved to Texas and found out Niko was the third-string goalkeeper at the FC Dallas soccer academy.
“I had to earn my spot. I started practicing twice a day with a gym session in between. I would even leave school early everyday to practice,” Niko Montoya told The 812.
Watch Niko as a goaltender here:
Niko worked hard and was eventually named the starting goalkeeper for the academy.
The 16-year-old then got the attention of the big club. The MLS team gave Niko the rare opportunity to practice with the professional squad.
“At first it was intimidating and I would get nervous, but at the same time, deep down in my mind, I knew I was meant to be there. They called me up for a reason,” Niko said.
“I started seeing what they expect from me and I also saw what flaws I had and how to get better at them,” he added.
The family got a big surprise last week.
Niko has been invited to join the United States U17 National Team.
He will travel from Dallas to West Palm Beach to participate in the camp this weekend.
“They pick the best kids from around the world, there’s two from Europe, one from France, some kids are already signed to pro contracts,” he said.
Niko is one of just two soccer players in Texas to receive the USA National Team invitation.
While he is focused on playing well this weekend, it’s a reminder of how much his parents risked.
“My mom and my dad, Dave, are both so much part of this story. We are here not just because of me, but also because of them. I am just so proud to be here,” NIko said.
His goal is to one day become a professional soccer player in Europe and he is already leaning into his roots.
“If I’m blessed to play for a national team I am not sure if I will choose the United States or Colombia,” he laughed.
NIko is only 16-years-old and has already received soccer offers from Xavier University and the University of Virginia.
But no matter where he goes, he will never forget his time in Southeast Indiana.
“I am very grateful that my story in the United States began in Batesville. That is where I developed on the field and as a person. It’s where I got my values and it will always be a great place in my heart,” he said.
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