Competitive Cheer Friday, March 27, 2026 NWC Athletic Communications

From Kicks to Flips: Kabongo’s Three-Sport Rise

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Jovany Kabongo's journey to Northwestern College began thousands of miles from Orange City, Iowa. Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he only knew one sport — soccer. "In Africa, we only played soccer because soccer is the only sport," Jovany said. When his family moved to the United States at age 11, an entirely new athletic world opened up.

He tried everything he could — wrestling, track, basketball, and football. "They automatically made me try out for kicker," he said, laughing about how his soccer background translated perfectly to football. Soon, he was booming 50- and 60-yard kicks and drawing the attention of college coaches. Northwestern head coaches Matt McCarty (football) and Dan Swier (men's soccer) both believed he could help their teams, and Jovany felt grateful for the chance to do both.

But his story didn't stop there. After a soccer practice, while showing off a flip he'd been doing since childhood, an athletic trainer suggested he try out for competitive cheer. At first, he thought it was a joke. "I didn't really know what competitive cheer meant," he said. But the cheer coaches saw potential and invited him to a practice. He went, demonstrated his tumbling, and the team immediately welcomed him. "I felt called to be there," Jovany said. "For a long time, my ability to do flips has not been used in a way like this."

THE MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE
Playing two sports in one season meant tough choices — and sometimes playing both on the same day. "At first I thought my football coaches were going to make that choice for me," Jovany said. Instead, McCarty and Swier trusted him to decide where he could make the biggest impact. Some weeks, he raced between games, contributing to both teams within hours. "They were so flexible and communicative," he said. "Everything went better than I expected."

The coaches' trust made a lasting impression. Jovany learned to focus on the present, committing fully to whichever team needed him at that moment. "Where my feet were was where I needed to be," he said. The freedom to choose didn't just make the logistics work — it allowed him to excel, helping both teams through a successful fall.

FINDING A HOME IN COMPETITIVE CHEER
As football and soccer wrapped up, Jovany leaned into cheer, a sport he never imagined being part of. It quickly became a place where his athleticism and faith could shine. "We're not here to only work so that we win," he told the team before competitions. "Winning isn't our main goal, because Jesus has already won."

That mindset fueled the Raiders to a conference title. "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." Earning all-conference honors was a bonus; the real reward was seeing a team push through injuries and setbacks together. "Knowing that gives us a freedom to work hard and go out there and have fun and enjoy each other," he said.

THREE TEAMS, ONE RAIDER
Being part of three teams gave Jovany a unique perspective on Northwestern's culture. "It almost feels like there's three different cultures," he said. Football brought high energy and intensity, soccer offered an international feel where multiple languages filled the field, and cheer provided constant encouragement. "I wish that everybody would do cheer to build that side of their character," he said.

That diversity helped him grow. Each team challenged him in different ways, building his confidence, discipline, and leadership. "It has built my character, and I'm still learning as I'm growing," he said. The experience also deepened his sense of belonging. "Northwestern is a great place to be."

FINDING HIS "WHY"
Managing three sports while staying on top of classes isn't easy, but Jovany keeps his motivation clear. "Remembering where I came from and why I'm here — my family is my why, and certainly God is my biggest why," he said. On days when classes feel tough, he thinks about how far his family has come and the opportunities he now has. That perspective helps him stay disciplined in the classroom and on the field.

He credits Northwestern's culture for making it possible. "Northwestern is kind enough to give me this freedom and flexibility to do the things that I do comfortably," he said. Coaches and professors communicate clearly and work together to help athletes thrive. For Jovany, it's another reminder that he's in the right place — surrounded by people who believe in him and a God who continues to open unexpected doors.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

Jovany Kabongo: 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Jovany Kabongo
: 5' 8"; Freshman