Jovany Kabongo’s path to Northwestern College didn’t just cross state lines — it crossed continents.
Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kabongo’s athletic world was simple.
“In Africa, we only played soccer because soccer is the only sport,” he said.
That changed when his family moved to the United States when he was 11. Suddenly, a wide range of sports opened up, and Kabongo dove into all of them.
He tried wrestling, track, basketball, and football. But it was his soccer background that quickly stood out on the football field.
“They automatically made me try out for kicker,” he said with a laugh.
It didn’t take long for Kabongo to show his potential, launching kicks from 50 and even 60 yards and catching the attention of college coaches. At Northwestern, both football head coach Matt McCarty and men’s soccer head coach Dan Swier saw an opportunity, and Kabongo embraced the rare chance to compete in both sports.
But his story was just getting started.
A Three-Sport Surprise
Kabongo’s third sport came unexpectedly.
After a soccer practice, while showing off a flip he’d been doing since childhood, an athletic trainer suggested he try competitive cheer. At first, he didn’t take it seriously.
“I didn’t really know what competitive cheer meant,” he said.
But after attending a practice and showcasing his tumbling ability, Kabongo quickly found a home.
“I felt called to be there,” he said. “For a long time, my ability to do flips has not been used in a way like this.”
Balancing Football and Soccer
Playing two sports in the same season meant constant adjustments — sometimes even competing for both teams on the same day.
“At first I thought my football coaches were going to make that choice for me,” Kabongo said.
Instead, Northwestern’s coaching staffs worked together, giving him the flexibility to decide where he was needed most.
“They were so flexible and communicative,” he said. “Everything went better than I expected.”
That trust allowed Kabongo to thrive. Whether it was a football game or a soccer match, he learned to stay present and committed.
“Where my feet were was where I needed to be,” he said.
Finding Purpose in Cheer
As the fall seasons wrapped up, Kabongo shifted his focus to competitive cheer — a sport he never envisioned being part of.
It quickly became more than just another activity.
“We’re not here to only work so that we win,” he told his team before competitions. “Winning isn’t our main goal, because Jesus has already won.”
That mindset helped guide Northwestern to a GPAC Championship, a moment Kabongo says reflected months of hard work and perseverance.
“Winning the GPAC Championship meant a lot to us,” he said. “We have put so much time and effort and sweat into working hard to get a good routine.”
Kabongo also earned all-conference honors, but he points to the team’s resilience, battling injuries and adversity, as the most meaningful part of the season.
Three Teams, One Identity
Being part of three different programs has given Kabongo a unique perspective on Northwestern’s campus culture.
“It almost feels like there’s three different cultures,” he said.
Football brings intensity and energy. Soccer carries an international flavor, with multiple languages spoken on the field. Cheer emphasizes encouragement and unity.
“I wish that everybody would do cheer to build that side of their character,” he said.
Each experience has shaped him in different ways, strengthening his confidence, discipline, and leadership.
“It has built my character, and I’m still learning as I’m growing,” he said.
Driven by Faith and Family
Balancing three sports while managing academics isn’t easy, but Kabongo keeps his focus grounded.
“Remembering where I came from and why I’m here — my family is my why, and certainly God is my biggest why,” he said.
That perspective fuels his work ethic, both in the classroom and in competition.
He also credits Northwestern’s support system, from coaches to professors, for making his journey possible.
“Northwestern is kind enough to give me this freedom and flexibility to do the things that I do comfortably,” he said.
For Kabongo, the opportunity to compete, grow, and belong is something he doesn’t take for granted.
“Northwestern is a great place to be.”
