Nationwide — Dominic Antoine Jr., an African American teen from Oakland, California, has been accepted to all 31 colleges he applied to. The student-athlete with a 4.3 GPA chose Louisiana State University for a biology pre-med track, aiming for a future in orthopedic surgery.
Antoine, who recently turned 18, attends Fremont High School in East Oakland. Known as “Pooda,” he has built a strong reputation as both a student and varsity basketball player while keeping his focus on academics.
He received offers from all 31 schools, including UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Syracuse University. He also applied to multiple HBCUs through the Common Black College Application, such as Howard University, Tennessee State University, and Morgan State University.
On May 1, National College Decision Day, Antoine announced he would attend Louisiana State University. LSU also offered him a strong merit-based scholarship, adding to the appeal of his final choice.
Even with interest from basketball programs, Antoine said he prioritized academics and his long-term medical goals. He said LSU felt like the right fit as he worked toward becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
“I knew where my heart was, and I trusted my gut,” he told KTVU.
He shared his decision on Instagram through a creative video that showed his journey from basketball training to medicine. In the video, he works out on the court, steps away from the game, puts on a medical coat, and drives off with LSU branding, signaling his next chapter.
Earlier in the year, Antoine gained attention at the Black College Expo in Oakland. A viral moment showed bystanders reacting to his 4.3 GPA and basketball achievements, openly praising him in front of a crowd.
Beyond school, Antoine has played AAU basketball with The Right Way Academy for four years. His coach, Derek Smith, described him as a standout leader and said, “I wouldn’t trade him for nothing in the world. I wish I had 12 of him. This kid is phenomenal. I’m telling you, he’s on a whole other level.”
Fremont High School principal Nidya Baez also praised him as a “caring leader who advocates for all students.” She added, “He fights for inclusion of students with disabilities in activities and goes out of his way to make them feel welcomed.”
Antoine has kept a GPA above 4.0 through AP Biology, English Literature, and U.S. History, along with college-level courses. He also competed in football and track, experiences that exposed him to sports injuries and orthopedic care firsthand. Those moments helped shape his goal of becoming a doctor. As the second of six children, he also credits his family for steady support throughout his journey.
Looking ahead, Antoine said he plans to stay focused and disciplined as he begins at LSU, turning his academic drive and athletic discipline into a future in medicine.