The Ones to Watch·Oakland

Rising names you'll hear everywhere soon.

Dominic Antoine Jr.

June 27, 2026·By: Mbaire

Courtesy of KTVU YouTube

"People see the results, but they don't see everything that goes into it."

Eighteen-year-old Oakland native Dominic Antoine Jr. recently made headlines after graduating with a 4.3 GPA and earning admission to all 31 colleges he applied to. But beyond the accolades, he describes himself as a charismatic person with strong morals and values. Laughing, he says he's a professional yapper but in the most "pleasing fashion." More than anything, Dominic is proud to represent Oakland in a positive light. "I know Oakland gets a bad reputation sometimes," he says. "I'm just happy I can help show another side of where I'm from."

Tell me a little about yourself. Who is Dominic Antoine Jr. beyond all the headlines?

I'm just a kid from Oakland who's always believed in working hard and trying to be the best version of myself. Yeah, people know me now because of the grades and getting into 31 colleges, but that's not all I am. I'd say I'm a pretty outgoing person. I like talking to people, making people laugh, and building real connections. That's why I call myself a professional yapper. I can talk to just about anybody. At the end of the day, I care a lot about my family, my community, and the people around me. One thing that's really important to me is representing Oakland the right way. There's so much talent and so many good people here that don't always get recognized. If my story can help people see Oakland differently or inspire another kid who grew up where I did, then that's something I'm really proud of.

You managed to earn straight As while balancing basketball and everything else that came with high school. Looking back, how did you do it?

It took a lot of sacrifice. The biggest thing was learning how to prioritize my time and always remembering what my goal was. Outside of sports and friends, I always knew I was a student first. I've wanted to go to college ever since I was little, so I held myself to that standard. I think a lot of people don't realize how important it is to actually apply yourself. I decided I was going to give my best effort and see where it took me. Once I started getting As, I realized I was capable of doing it. Honestly, it wasn't about studying every second of the day. It was about paying attention in class, staying focused, and handling the important things first. Of course there were days when I didn't feel like studying, everybody has those days, but I knew what I wanted. Nobody was forcing me to do it. I was doing it for myself.

Every success story comes with challenges. What were some of the biggest ones you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was figuring out my "why." I dealt with stress, outside pressure, family issues, and a lot of overthinking. There were times when I asked myself, "What am I getting all these As for? What's the end goal?" I definitely had moments where I felt lost. Once I figured out what I wanted my future to look like, everything started making sense. It gave me direction and made me even more focused.

When things got difficult, what kept you going?

The people around me. I've always tried to build genuine relationships because I believe relationships are built on energy. Being open, being myself, and treating people with respect helped me build a strong support system. Whenever things got hard, those people reminded me why I couldn't quit.

You were accepted to 31 colleges. Out of all those options, why did LSU feel like the right place for you?

I wanted something different. I already know what California is like. I know what Berkeley would have been like I know the streets and the environment. LSU gives me the chance to experience a new culture, meet different people, and start a new chapter somewhere completely different. I wanted to challenge myself by stepping outside my comfort zone.

You want to become an orthopedic surgeon. What was it about that career that made you think, "This is what I want to do with my life?"

It really comes from personal experience. I've spent a lot of time in orthopedic offices after breaking my thumb, fracturing my ankle, and going through physical therapy. Watching those doctors help me get back on my feet really stuck with me. They understood my body and helped me heal, and I admired that. I've always loved helping people, and I think I have a lot of compassion and empathy. Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is a way for me to make a difference while also pushing myself to be the best I can be.

When you get to LSU, what are you most looking forward to, both inside and outside the classroom?

Something around Black student support, or just something that encourages people to focus on themselves and push themselves to be better. You see, being a stellar student, I always felt a little neglected by my teachers because they assumed, "Oh, you're such a good student, you don't need my help." But that's really twisted because just because I'm doing well doesn't mean I don't need support. I'd love to start a club where college students go back into high schools and mentor students who are struggling, but also students who are already doing well. Everybody needs someone in their corner. I want to help push them, encourage them to reach their full potential, and show them what Black excellence looks like.

Your story has reached a lot of people. Has anything about that experience surprised you?

Definitely how many more people recognize me now. It's also interesting seeing how success changes the way some people treat you. Some people who never really supported me before suddenly know who I am. At the end of the day, though, I just appreciate the genuine support. I take everything for what it is.

Has there been a downside to all the new attention?

Honestly, not really. Besides a few haters here and there, it's been a positive experience overall. You can't let that kind of stuff get to you.

What's been the best part of the attention?

Being able to connect with more people. Now when people recognize me, they're already familiar with my story, and it makes it easier to have conversations. If my story motivates somebody else, then that's probably the best part.

I think a lot of people look at your achievements and assume you've always had everything figured out. What's something about your journey that people don't see?

Definitely all the work behind the scenes. People see the results, but they don't see everything that goes into it. Even now, I'm still figuring things out. I'm still getting my dorm situation together. I'm still learning. I definitely don't have life all figured out.

Outside of school and basketball, what does life look like for you? What do you enjoy doing when no one's watching?

Honestly, my life has always been school and sports. That's been my routine for years. Now that I'm starting college, I'm excited to discover new hobbies and figure out who I am outside of academics and athletics.

If you could sit down with your 14-year-old self today, what would you tell him?

I'd tell him to keep pushing because it's all going to pay off. You already know where you want to go, so stay focused and don't lose sight of your goals. God's got you, your family's got you, and you've got yourself. Just keep going.

What's one lesson from high school that you'll carry with you for the rest of your life?

Prioritization and organization. Those two things changed everything for me. I also learned a lot about people. You'll lose friends, you'll gain friends, and not everybody will show up for you the way you show up for them. That's just life. No matter what, be yourself. Treat everybody with respect. Don't judge people, and don't be afraid to talk to anybody. You never know where a conversation might lead.

What's something that's guided you through life?

My faith in God. During my hardest moments, I've always prayed for guidance. My faith has kept me grounded through everything.

Looking ahead ten years, what do you hope people will say about Dominic Antoine Jr.?

Hopefully I'm somewhere in my residency wearing a white lab coat, getting closer to becoming the orthopedic surgeon I've always wanted to be. More than that, I hope people say I stayed true to myself. I want to be proud of the person I've become, and I want my family to be proud too. If I can inspire another kid from Oakland to believe they can do something great, then I'll feel like I've done what I was supposed to do.

Dominic Antoine Jr.

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