It's a quiet morning in Crafton Athletic Complex, and a tall athlete waits patiently on the track while our camera crew sets up. This athlete is Nana Koranteng—known affectionately around campus as “Nana from Ghana.” He is calm, cool, and collected, exuding a warm and confident energy.

The College Senior takes time out of his busy schedule to talk with our team about his rapid rise in triple jump, a relatively new event for the standout sprinter and soccer player. In just a short time, Nana has emerged as one of Principia’s top performers in the event, breaking program records and earning USTFCCCA Second Team All-American honors in 2025.

Nana discovered his passion (and talent) for triple jump while recovering from a hamstring injury. Looking for a way to stay competitive without placing too much strain on his body, his coach at the time, Ann Pierson, suggested he give triple jump a try. One practice was all it took.

Formerly a 400m and 800m specialist, Nana pushed to begin competing in the triple jump—and the rest is history. Just six weeks before the 2025 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships, he had never even attempted the event. Forty-five days later, after earning a national qualifying mark of over 47 feet in just his second competition, the then-junior traveled to Nazareth University in western New York, ranked 17th in Division III. 

When he's not breaking records on the track, the Center for Business and Computer Science student—double majoring in computer science and economics—is squeezing everything he can out of his final semester by jumping into as many activities as possible. He thrives on the hands-on projects and values the close connections he’s built with professors and coaches—relationships that have grown into mentorships and friendships. 

“The one thing I always emphasize about Principia is the size,” he says. “There is more interpersonal communication and stronger connections. [This is so important] because when you’re at a big college, there’s going to be that sense of isolation. For me, that’s a problem.” 

Nana is also deeply committed to his role on the track and field team—not just as a competitor, but as a leader. Known as the team’s “biggest cheerleader,” he shows up consistently for his teammates, offering encouragement at practice, celebrating their successes at meets, and supporting them beyond the track. 

For Nana, winning is important, but it’s clear he prioritizes discipline, humility, and positivity above what’s up on the scoreboard. It’s also about having fun.

He also isn’t timid when it comes to trying new things. In fact, he recommends it to anyone hoping to make the most out of their college experience, as long as they're willing to discover the unexpected.  

“What I’ve benefited the most from being at Principia is being able to try a diverse range of activities,” says Nana. “Personally, I love to gain new knowledge. Adding that to the liberal arts education offered at Principia—it just goes hand in hand with my personal goals.”

His advice for fellow classmates: “Just go for it. Don’t think too much. Try the new thing!”

So, what’s next? As he looks toward the remainder of the season, Nana is focused on competing on the national stage and continuing to push his limits in triple jump. Beyond college, he plans to pursue a career in economics and computer science, specifically something that involves data analytics. Whatever he decides to do, he’ll be living life to the fullest and trying out new things, carrying with him the lessons, relationships, and confidence he’s built at Principia.

Wherever he lands next, one thing is certain: Nana from Ghana is just getting started.