Bau Daigh Warrior (Part 1 of 3): The remarkable rise and deep roots of San Jose Earthquakes star Chris Wondolowski

In the Kiowa language, Bau Daigh means “warrior coming over the hill.”


It’s a fitting tribal name for San Jose Earthquakes star Chris Wondolowski, a member of the Kiowa Nation and one of the most unlikely success stories in MLS history.


By now, you know the basics of Wondolowski’s journey: A lightly-regarded high school player pulls off a remarkable rise, working his way from unheralded striker at Division II Chico State to MLS stardom and, eventually, the US national team.


MLS partnered with Juice Groove Films for a deep dive on Wondolowski, chronicling his rise, revisiting his infamous miss against Belgium at the 2014 World Cup and exploring his connection to his Native American heritage with the Kiowa Nation in Oklahoma in a three-part documentary series titled “Bau Daigh Warrior.”


You can watch Part I of the mini-series above. Parts II and III are scheduled for release later this week.  


UPDATE: Click here to watch Part II of the series, a look at Wondo's USMNT career, from his first cap to the miss vs. Belgium