Impactful Journeys: Running with Legacy, Faith, and Purpose
In Santa Fe, high school football is more than a game, it’s a tradition passed through generations. For one young standout at St. Michael’s High School, it’s also family history, childhood dreams, and a symbol of resilience all wrapped into one. That player is Isaiah Dominguez, a Class of 2026 two-way athlete who has helped lead the Horsemen to back-to-back state championships…and isn’t finished yet.
Raised in the heart of Santa Fe, this rising star’s story began long before he first suited up for the Horsemen. It’s a journey shaped by legacy, heart, and the constant challenge of playing bigger than his size.
“Football Was Always in Our Blood”
His connection to the game runs deep. He’s a third-generation football player, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Vince, a former running back, and his father and uncle, who played the same position.
“Football was just always around,” he says. “From playing to coaching to watching, we were always talking about it. My earliest memories are traveling every weekend to watch my uncle play high school ball. I wanted to be just like him. I wanted to be a Horseman.”
He joined the Santa Fe Venom in the YAFL as a kid and played for five years before stepping onto the field at St. Michael’s as a seventh grader, already dreaming of what it would be like to wear the blue and white under the Friday night lights.
Overcoming Size, Owning the Moment
But his path hasn’t been without obstacles.From the very beginning, he played up in age divisions, always the smallest on the field. But never the weakest in heart.
“It was tough. I always had to fight for my spot,” he says. “Even now, size is still something people talk about when they talk about me as a player. But I’ve learned to use it as fuel. I’ve built my confidence and taught myself to play bigger than I am.”
That mindset helped him become a standout on both sides of the ball. His comfort zone is at running back, but this past season he thrived in a new challenge,, starting at cornerback on varsity. And he made it count.
He allowed just two touchdowns all season, including one in the state championship against Dexter. But instead of letting that define his day, he responded instantly.
“The very next play, I returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown,” he recalls. “It shifted the momentum before halftime. That play mattered. It changed the game.”
Later, he’d snag a critical interception to stop a scoring drive, and the Horsemen would go on to seal their second straight title with a last-minute touchdown,cementing their place in school history as the first team to win back-to-back football state championships.
Built Through Preparation, Backed by Family
Every week during the season is built around discipline. From Monday film and conditioning to midweek weight sessions and Thursday walkthroughs, the process never stops. And neither does the extra work.
“My mom records every one of my games. My dad and I break down the film together before we even watch it as a team,” he says. “It helps me get a head start and see exactly where I need to improve.”
Game day starts with bacon and toast or team breakfast, followed by film study, headphones, and J. Cole to stay relaxed. Right before the tunnel? It’s time for the hype music.
But he’s not one to get loud.
“I stay quiet, stay in my locker, and visualize my role. I talk with my uncle—who’s now my running backs coach, to calm down and get locked in.”
Guided by Coaches, Grounded in Legacy
Few players are fortunate enough to be coached by a lineage of mentors that span generations. But for him, the bond between coach and family is uniquely powerful.
Head coach Joey Fernandez, a Santa Fe legend, has played a major role in his growth and confidence.
“Coach Fernandez is someone I look up to. He believed in me early, and I always strive to never let him down,” he says. “He’s helped shape who I am—on and off the field.”
He also leans on his uncle George Dominguez, his running backs coach, for daily motivation and laughs. “He pushes us hard, but he also knows how to make the game fun. We’re both committed to getting better every day.”
And then there’s Coach Kevin Hauck—a man whose impact goes back decades.
“He coached my grandpa Vince, my dad, my uncle—and now me. That’s three generations in one family. I’m proud to say that. Our roots run deep with Coach Hauck.”
Looking Ahead: The Quest for a Three-Peat, Beyond the Field
The goals for this season are clear: city champions, district champions, and state champions once again. And with a senior class that’s played together since middle school, the Horsemen have the talent ,and the bond, to do it.
“We’ve got something special. We’re tight. We’ve grown up together. And if we all stay locked in and make sacrifices, I don’t think anyone can stop us in the championship,” he says.
On a personal level, he’s chasing 1,200–1,500 all-purpose yards, 15–25 total touchdowns, and the chance to build an even bigger role in the Horsemen’s offense and defense.
He’s not just a football player. He also competes in basketball, track and field, and powerlifting, all while balancing a full academic schedule.
“Sometimes it’s hard. My personal life takes a backseat a lot of the time,” he admits. “But I know this is a season in my life. I make it work—and when I have time for family and friends, I really value it.”
Off the field, he finds peace in moments with his family—especially his little sister, who he shares a close bond with.
“She means the world to me. I’m about to have another baby sister, and I want to build that same connection. I don’t take family time for granted.”
Future Goals and Faith
Yes, he plans to play at the next level. Any college willing to believe in him will get more than a player—they’ll get a leader.
“I’m ready for the next level. I’ll give everything I have to any program that takes a chance on me. I love the game, and I’m ready for the coaching, the work, and the challenge.”
His favorite player? Jahmyr Gibbs, a back he compares his game to. His favorite college team? Penn State, because of the energy and white-out atmosphere.
But more than anything, he carries a mindset defined by perseverance.
His favorite quote?
“Play big. Be bigger than your size. And always, always believe in the power of work.”
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