Kuyo On Thriving Through Adversity And Trusting The Process

Las Vegas, New Mexico - Cowgirls sophomore Cross Country standout Joan Kuyo's career at New Mexico Highlands has been one filled with highs and lows, including a season ending hip injury at the South Central Regional Championship, but the most consistent part of it is her trust in both her coaching under Coach Bob DeVries as well as the team surrounding her. 

Last year, Kuyo and Coach Bob DeVries hoped for a top 15 finish at the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Championships, but had to bow out early with a hip injury in the Women's 6K race. Joan spent the last year rehabbing and slowly easing back into intense training. 

"When it happened I was so devastated. I had not been able to run for about seven months after that. My rehab went really well. My summer wasn't an easy one…it made me stronger and walk further and be on my feet longer. When I got back my hip just accepted being back to running, I'm very confident this season." Kuyo says in regards to her untimely injury and anticipated return.

Amongst the injury, rehab and return, Kuyo emphasized her relationship with Coach DeVries and the role he plays with not only her development and recovery, but the team as a whole. 

"I just always say he's one of the best coaches I've ever met. His input is some of the best for myself and my teammates."  says Kuyo on Coach DeVries, "He reminds us that it's all about being consistent, strong and disciplined, even when it hurts, but also that having fun and doing our best is just as important"

Kuyo also credits her teammates with helping her through the recovery and development as a runner.

"I think we had a great team last year, and have a great team this year, we are confident we can run better at the RMAC championships and nationals. Just believing in our training and practice...yes you'll be running with whoever shows up that day, but we run our best and try to make Highlands look good" 

As far as her future, Kuyo looks towards it but doesn't let it cloud her judgement of what's put in front of her. Both she and Coach DeVries aren't focused on the distant future, but rather what's next.

"I think what I'm working on right now is running healthy. I don't see further than that right now, we are working on how we can deal with what's coming."

"I'm just happy to be back with the confidence I have in my training," said Kuyo on her mentality through the 2026 season.