At the heart of Virginia Beach, where the waves of the Atlantic crash onto golden sands, another kind of storm is brewing—one set to unfold on the polished indoor track of the Virginia Beach Sports Centre.
This Friday and Saturday, a group of young Kenyan runners, each carrying the weight of a dual dream – academic excellence and athletic dominance – will step onto one of the biggest stages in collegiate athletics: The NCAA Indoor National Championships.
Oklahoma State Trio: Cowboys on mission
Among them is Oklahoma State University’s trio of Laban Kipkemboi (mile), Brian Musau (3,000 metres), and Denis Kipngetich (5.000m).
They call themselves “The Cowboys”, a fitting name for three who have tamed endless miles with relentless endurance and an insatiable hunger for victory.
Their journey to Virginia Beach has been anything but easy.
“I wake up at 5am for training, rush to class, then hit the track again in the afternoon,” says Kipkemboi, an exercise science major balancing rigorous academics with the unforgiving demands of NCAA Division I competition.
“But we grew up running to school back home. Juggling both has been our way of life.”
Their coach, Dave Smith, believes in their potential: “Laban has shown significant improvement and is confident of a win. Brian is getting stronger and improving rapidly, while Denis has managed to hit 13 minutes in his 5,000m.”
At the recent Big 12 Conference, Kipkemboi ran a 1:46 split in the 800m and qualified for the nationals in the mile.
“I will focus on the one-mile race, but if the coaches advise me to support the school’s team by competing in the TRM (acombination of 800m, 1,200m, and one mile), I’ll gladly step in,” he told Pura Vida Sports Africa in a virtual interview.
Both Kipkemboi and Brian Musau are majoring in exercise science, while Denis Kipngetich is pursuing a degree in business management.
Their teammate Kipngetich, the 5000m star, nods.
“Back in Kenya, we ran on dirt roads. Here, we train in some of the best facilities in the world. It’s an opportunity we can’t take for granted.”
Clemson’s ‘Secret Weapons’: Kosgey, Chepngetich
On the women’s side, another pair of Kenyan athletes is preparing to shake up the championship. Judy Kosgey, a formidable miler, and Gladys Chepngetich, a firecracker in the 800m, will be donning Clemson University’s colors.
Dubbed “The Tigers’ Secret Weapons”, these two have been clawing their way to the top of the NCAA rankings all season.
“Gladys is in great shape to run 2:01, and with Judy having clocked 4:26 in the mile, the duo has a strong chance of winning if the races unfold as we expect,” Mark Elliot, their coach at Clemson told Pura Vida Sports Africa in a virtual interview.
He adds: “If we had, say, 15 more athletes of Chepngetich’s caliber, it would be an open race. But for now, she is the one to watch at Virginia Beach.”
Bii: Texas A&M’s Triple jump sensation
Winny Bii, the Texas A&M triple jump star, has defied gravity and, perhaps, logic with her meteoric rise in the sport.
Once known for her uncanny ability to step over puddles with precision, Bii has now mastered the art of leaping over great distances—this time, in the name of collegiate glory.
Her relentless dedication, which includes countless hours of perfecting the hop, skip, and jump routine, has paid off spectacularly.
Now, she finds herself among the elite, having punched her ticket to the 2025 NCAA Indoor National Championships, where she will represent the Aggies with a blend of elegance, power, and just the right amount of Texas swagger.
“We have hope and confidence in Winny. She is composed and her performance has gradually improved. However, while we hope for her medal hunt, we will cross the bridge when we get there,” says Paul Ereng, the 1988 Seoul Olympics 800m gold medalist and a former University of Virginia middle-distance runner who is now on the roster of Winny’s coaches.
Her qualification is a testament to the Aggies’ ability to turn mere mortals into airborne marvels, proving that even the laws of physics can be bent with enough training and school spirit.
Chelangat: South Carolina’s relay star
Sylvia Chelangat (University of South Carolina) also secured her spot in the prestigious indoor competition, showcasing her dominance on the track.
Donning the South Carolina Gamecocks jersey, Chelangat is set to compete in the 4x400m relay, bringing her speed and strength to the relay squad.
New Mexico’s ‘Lobo Trio’: Kosgei, Kipkurui, Kurui
The University of New Mexico boasts three outstanding Kenyan athletes who have earned their place at the championships. Pamela Kosgei, Ishmael Kipkurui, and Evans Kurui—collectively known as The Lobos—have blazed through the indoor season, securing their spots in the 3,000m and 5,000m events.
Kosgei, a rising star in collegiate distance running, has made waves in her first full indoor season with the Lobos.
Known for her quiet demeanor off the track and her relentless drive on it, she clocked NCAA-standard times in both the 3,000m and 5,000m.
Kipkurui, with his ability to maintain an unforgiving pace, has been a dominant force for New Mexico. His consistency in both events makes him a strong medal hopeful.
Together, the Lobo Trio will look to bring glory to New Mexico on the national stage. As they toe the line against the nation’s best, one thing is certain—these Lobos are ready to run with the pack and hunt for victory.
Kidali: Oregon Ducks’ 800m hopeful
Koitatoi Kidali, representing the Oregon Ducks, will take on the 800m, aiming to add another milestone to the storied middle-distance legacy of his university.
Kenyan presence beyond track
Beyond the middle-distance stars, Kenya’s presence at the championship extends into the field events.
Texas A&M’s Winny Bii will be hoping to make a statement in the triple jump, while Evans Kurui of Washington State University is set to compete in the distance events, determined to push himself against America’s finest.
Symbol of resilience and inspiration
For all these athletes, Virginia Beach represents more than just an indoor track—it’s a symbol of how far they’ve come.
From the dusty village roads of Kenya to some of the most prestigious universities in the U.S., their journeys have been built on resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in their talent.
As the championships unfold, the Kenyan contingent will be hoping to not only leave their mark but also inspire the next generation back home.
“If we succeed here, it shows young athletes in Kenya that education and athletics can go hand in hand,” Kipkemboi says.
“We are proof that you don’t have to choose between the two—you can excel in both.”
Whether they return with titles or not, one thing is certain: the spirit of Kenyan running will be alive and well on the NCAA’s grand stage this weekend.
Photo Credits & Teams: Oklahoma State University:
“The Cowboys”: Laban Kipkemboi (mile), Brian Musau (3,000m), Denis Kipngetich (5,000m); Clemson University – “The Tigers’ Secret Weapons”: Judy Kosgey (mile), Gladys Chepngetich (800m); Texas A&M University: Winny Bii – Triple Jump; University of South Carolina: Sylvia Chelangat – 4x400m Relay; University of New Mexico – “The Lobo Trio”: Pamela Kosgei (3,000m, 5,000m), Ishmael Kipkurui (3,000m, 5,000m), Evans Kurui (3,000m, 5,000m);University of Oregon – “The Ducks”: Koitatoi Kidali (800m); Washington State University – “Cougars”: Evans Kurui (Distance Events).
(Keep it here for results and exclusive updates of Kenyan stars from The NCAA Indoor National Championships)
Robert Kibet is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He previously worked as a correspondent for Milele FM. His feature stories on development, the climate crisis, the environment, conflict, human rights, food security, and education have been published in The Guardian UK, Reuters, IPS, DW, The New Humanitarian, and Equal Times.
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