As part of American University’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we are excited to highlight student-athlete Kirah Tianga, a standout member of our cross country and track teams. Tianga, a literature major from Maplewood, N.J., brings a unique perspective as an Afro-Latina with Ecuadorian roots, and she’s proud to blend her cultural heritage with her athletic pursuits.

From Base Running to Distance Running

Kirah’s athletic journey began on the softball field, where she developed a love for base running. She played softball from age 6 to 14, but during her freshman year of high school, she decided to try her hand at track. “I sprinted at first,” she recalls, “but I really found my love for distance running during my sophomore year of cross country.” That love has since carried her to AU, where she thrives in a sport that challenges both her mind and body.

“I decided to attend AU because of the team’s welcoming environment and the fact that it was the perfect distance from my hometown,” Kirah explains. “But mostly, I was drawn to Washington, D.C., because of its cultural diversity. It’s a true melting pot, and that resonates with me as someone who embraces my identity as an Afro-Latina.”

Representing Ecuadorian Heritage on the Track

Kirah's father, a former college wrestler at NYU, has been a major influence on her life as both an athlete and a person. "He’s always instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience,” Kirah says. “He constantly reminds me to hustle and push my limits, which is something his parents taught him as a young athlete in New York."

Kirah takes great pride in representing her Ecuadorian heritage, especially in a sport where Afro-Latina runners are underrepresented. “Cross country in America is predominantly white, and it can sometimes feel isolating,” Kirah shares. “But every time I step on the track, I know I’m running for my community, for those who came before me, and for those who look up to me—especially my younger sister.”

She draws inspiration from Ecuadorian long-distance runners, particularly those who train in the high-altitude regions of Quito. “Their ability to excel in endurance sports has always fascinated me,” she says. “I’d love to explore more about their training methods and learn how I can connect that part of my heritage with my own running journey.”

Breaking Barriers in a Predominantly White Sport

For Kirah, visibility matters. She knows that when athletes from minority backgrounds don’t see others like them in a sport, it can create a sense of exclusion. “When people think of cross country, they often picture white athletes, and that can be discouraging for minority athletes,” she says. “I want to change that narrative. By showcasing athletes of diverse backgrounds, we can break down those mental barriers and encourage more people from underrepresented communities to get involved.”

A Taste of Ecuadorian Tradition

Off the track, Kirah loves to stay connected to her roots through food. One of her all-time favorite dishes is shrimp ceviche, a classic staple in Ecuadorian cuisine. “It’s a dish that brings back so many memories of family gatherings and celebrations,” she says with a smile. “My grandmother’s shrimp ceviche is the best, hands down.”

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Kirah Tianga’s story reminds us of the importance of embracing cultural identity and the power of representation in sports. At AU, we’re proud to support student-athletes like Kirah, who continue to inspire on and off the track.