Before her crucial sixth attempt at the NCAA Indoor Championship, Kansas State junior Daniela Wamokpego caught a glimpse of her jumps coach, Clive Pullen. Their bond had grown strong since she transferred from Iowa to Kansas State. Ignoring the electrifying atmosphere of the Randal Tyson Track Center, she approached Pullen for one last exchange of encouragement.
Pullen, a triple jump Olympian from Jamaica, had guided athletes to several championships but had never coached a female national champion. During the competition, Daniela consulted him multiple times. Each time, he reminded her to focus on her approach and technique. “If you’re not on the ground, you’re in the air,” he explained. “Be patient; you’ll come down eventually.”
As the cheers of over 150 K-State fans filled the air, Pullen urged her to visualize her family, friends, and teammates, all rooting for her. “This is your moment. Grab it!” he said. With his words in her mind, she prepared to jump for gold.
“Coach Clive always says we just need one jump,” she recalled. “That thought filled my head. I could feel the excitement from the crowd. I closed my eyes and reminded myself of my strength.” Wamokpego knew she had to be patient— to wait for the right moment to land. And then, she took off.
In that moment, she jumped 13.84 meters, marking her as the first K-State female NCAA Indoor Champion since 2016 and breaking the school record set in 2017. This leap not only secured her victory but also placed her at No. 18 in NCAA Track and Field history.
“After I jumped, I wasn’t sure if I had landed well enough,” Wamokpego admitted. But when she saw the score, disbelief washed over her. “I couldn’t believe it. I felt grateful.” Celebrating with her teammates meant the world to her. “The love I felt in that moment was special. It really shows what K-State is all about.”
Pullen had a front-row seat to her performance and witnessed the excitement in the crowd. “When she took off, I knew this was it,” he said, feeling a mix of hope and anticipation. His instincts were right. Her patience during the jump ultimately led to her victory.
With videos showcasing the moment from friends around the world, Pullen’s excitement overflowed when her jump flashed on the scoreboard. “I just took off running,” he laughed. “It was pure joy.”
A few days later, Wamokpego reflected on her achievement. “I look at the NCAA Championship trophy and can’t quite believe it. I had dreamed of this—being an All-American, holding a trophy. It’s surreal.” She chuckled in disbelief but also felt a deep sense of gratitude.
“I would love to stay for one more year,” she shared, eager to learn more and grow even further at K-State. “There’s so much to still accomplish.”
Wamokpego’s story isn’t just about athletic success; it’s about perseverance, support, and the magic of teamwork. In a world where athletes face immense pressure, her victory serves as a reminder that dreams can turn into reality with hard work and belief.
