Nyarango Joins From Joplin
Sprinter and long jumper Kendall Nyarango will continue her athletic career with NWACC
BENTONVILLE - Kendall Nyarango is the eighth athlete signed in NWACC's 2026 Women's Track and Field class, as announced Friday by coaches Josphat Boit and Chris Weller.
Nyarango anticipated walking on at a larger four-year university after her successful track career at Joplin High School, but a decision to visit on a whim led to an unexpected decision.
"I'm honestly so surprised I chose NWACC," Nyarango said. "I never knew it existed, but I'm so glad I found it. I think it's the perfect fit for me."
Nyarango will participate in sprints as well as long jump for the Eagles; she has collected two wins en route to top-four finishes in all five long jump events this season for Joplin.
"I applied to a lot of colleges and got accepted at all these places that are way farther, such as the University of Arkansas, Wichita State and the University of Kentucky, and that's always been my dream to go really far [away from home]," Nyarango said. "[But] when I got here, I saw the cost, and it just aligned perfectly with my needs. Northwest Arkansas is really beautiful, and I'm just excited to be in this spot."
Nyarango also brings in PRs of 12.93 (100 meters) and 26.58 (200 meters) in sprint categories.
"I'm grateful that I'm going to continue to do what I've been doing over the past six years," Nyarango said of running track at the collegiate level, "but I'll be able to do it in a more comfortable environment and probably have a better student-athlete and work life."
Nyarango arrives in Arkansas this fall ahead of the 2027 track and field season after finishing her senior season at Joplin later this month.
