Joy Naukot, a freshman on the West Virginia University track and field team, has earned the honor of student-athlete of the week, following her notable performance at the Raleigh Relays. Read more Joy Naukot Recognized as Student-Athlete of the Week.
Raleigh Relays
On Friday, March 28th, Joy Naukot shattered WVU’s record in the women’s 10,000-meter race with a time of 32:21.84. With this time, Naukot successfully placed 2nd in the event at the Paul Derr Track and Field Facility.
Naukot’s performance broke a record that had been standing since 2009. Notably, she is now ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 conference and Mid-Atlantic Region, and No. 2 nationally in the 10,000-meter.
2024 Cross-Country Highlights
Naukot is also a member of West Virginia University’s cross-country team, where she has made impressive strides.
Naukot has been named Big 12 Women’s Newcomer of the Year and has earned All-Mid Atlantic Region honors and All-Big 12 honors.
She competed in five meets during her first season, including the Louisville Classic, Wisconsin Pre-Nationals, the Big 12 Cross Country Championships, and the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
Also, Naukot finished 17th place with a time of 19:50.3 at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, which ultimately helped propel the team to a runner up finish.
She was the fastest freshman at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Cross Country Championships to cross the finish line, with a time of 19:49.4. This performance earned Naukot 6th place.
Her personal best time of 19:18.1 was achieved during the women’s 6k at the conference championship, where Naukot ultimately placed 3rd and became the fastest freshman in program history.
Lastly, Naukot registered her career best time of 16:25.9 in the women’s 5k at the Louisville Classic, taking 4th place.
READ MORE: WVU Gains Momentum for Outdoor Season at Raleigh Relays
High School Accolades
Naukot, from her hometown of Kapenguria, Kenya, is in her freshman year at WVU. Prior to WVU, Naukot attended AIC Biribiriet Secondary School and ran for coach Bonface Siren.
In 2024, Naukot won the Gutenberg Half Marathon in Mainz with a time of 1:09. She went on to say that this had been the best race of her career, and her greatest victory.
“My next goal is to run a time between 65 and 66 minutes. I would like to come back to Mainz next year and further improve the course record. I am not thinking about the marathon yet,” said Naukot.
In the Würzburg Residence Run, Naukot finished second in the 10k with a time of 32:28.00.
Joy Naukot – Personal
Naukot is the daughter of Margret Akuwam and William Naukot, and has three brothers and three sisters. Her birthday is September 7th, and she is majoring in sports management.
What Comes Next for Naukot?
The WVU track and field’s next showcase is coming up on April 4th. The team will participate in the Dalton Ebanks Invitational from April 4th-5th, in Fairfax, Va., at the George Mason Stadium.
Naukot’s impressive feats and achievements through the cross-country season, along with the achievements she has already made through the track and field season, proves that she is only just getting started. Naukot will have many more opportunities to make an impact and continue shaping history at WVU.
Joy Naukot Recognized as Student-Athlete of the Week.
