William Amponsah and Abigail Abugire receive additional honors for West Texas A\&M, highlighting their continued excellence and contributions to the university’s athletic and academic success.

At West Texas A&M University, excellence is not just encouraged—it’s expected. And two standout student-athletes, William Amponsah and Abigail Abugire, continue to rise to the challenge. Recently awarded additional honors in recognition of their sustained performance both on the track and in the classroom, Amponsah and Abugire exemplify the holistic spirit of collegiate athletics.
Their accolades represent more than personal achievement. They reflect the strength of the university’s athletic programs, the support of faculty and coaches, and the potential of international students excelling in American higher education. From their roots in Ghana to the plains of Canyon, Texas, the story of William and Abigail is one of ambition, resilience, and excellence.
Who Are William Amponsah and Abigail Abugire?
Both hailing from Ghana, Amponsah and Abugire arrived at West Texas A&M with big dreams and unmatched determination. Their journey to the U.S. wasn’t just a move for education—it was a leap of faith in pursuit of opportunity, excellence, and legacy.
William Amponsah: Long-Distance Powerhouse
William Amponsah is known across NCAA Division II circles for his endurance, stamina, and tactical intelligence as a long-distance runner. Competing in events ranging from the 5,000 meters to the half-marathon, Amponsah has consistently posted top national times. His combination of natural talent and relentless work ethic has made him a leader on the West Texas A&M cross country and track & field teams.
This season, Amponsah earned All-Region and Academic All-American honors, a testament not only to his elite athletic performance but also to his excellence in the classroom.
Abigail Abugire: Field Star and Academic Standout
Abigail Abugire has quickly become one of the university’s top performers in field events, particularly in discus and shot put. Her power and form have earned her not just podium finishes but also recognition from the Lone Star Conference and national track bodies. She’s known for her discipline, humility, and quiet leadership—qualities that are as evident in competition as they are in her academic performance.
Abugire was honored this semester with a Student-Athlete Leadership Award and Dean’s List recognition, underlining her impact as a dual-threat in academics and athletics.
Why These Honors Matter
In a collegiate sports landscape that often focuses solely on athletic metrics, honors that recognize the student in “student-athlete” carry significant weight. Both Amponsah and Abugire have embraced the university’s culture of balance—excelling in athletics while maintaining high academic standards.
Receiving additional honors means that their efforts are being recognized on multiple fronts:
- Athletic achievement: Dominating their events, scoring for their teams, and setting personal and school records.
- Academic excellence: Maintaining high GPAs, contributing to classroom discussions, and progressing in degree programs.
- Leadership and character: Serving as role models for teammates, underclassmen, and the broader campus community.
These awards are also part of the NCAA’s broader mission to ensure that collegiate athletes leave their universities as not only better competitors but also as well-rounded leaders prepared for life after sports.
The Significance for West Texas A&M
For West Texas A&M University, having athletes like Amponsah and Abugire succeed on national stages is a point of pride. It sends a powerful message to recruits and prospective students: here, talent is nurtured, and success is multidimensional.
Their recognition brings increased visibility to the university’s track & field and cross country programs, which continue to rise in the Division II national rankings. It also strengthens the institution’s position as a destination for international talent, especially from West Africa.
Athletic Director Michael McBroom spoke on their recognition, stating:
“William and Abigail are not only elite competitors, they’re incredible people. They embody what we want in all our student-athletes—excellence, leadership, and integrity. We’re proud of everything they’ve accomplished and what they represent.”
A Global Journey, A Local Impact
The story of William and Abigail is also a story of cultural exchange and personal courage. Leaving home to study abroad comes with many challenges: language, food, climate, academic rigor, and homesickness. Yet both have adapted and thrived.
In doing so, they have become cultural ambassadors for Ghana and role models for other international students looking to study and compete in the U.S. Their success helps break down stereotypes and demonstrates the power of global education.
On campus, they’re involved in mentorship programs for first-year students and have helped lead community outreach efforts through West Texas A&M Athletics.
Balancing Books and Records
A common question for any student-athlete is: How do they manage it all?
For Amponsah and Abugire, discipline is the key. Both maintain structured schedules that include early morning training sessions, full academic course loads, study hall, evening practice, and leadership meetings.
William is pursuing a degree in Sports and Exercise Science, aiming to one day return to Ghana to help develop athletic programs in underserved communities.
Abigail, meanwhile, is focused on Health Sciences, with aspirations to enter the field of sports medicine or physical therapy.
Their commitment to long-term goals, both athletic and academic, is a major reason they’re earning such high praise and recognition.
Looking Ahead: Championships and Graduation
The 2024-2025 academic year promises even more opportunities for William and Abigail. With regional and national championships ahead, they’re aiming to push their performances even higher.
Amponsah has set a personal goal of qualifying for international meets representing Ghana and helping put African distance running on the global NCAA map. His times are already catching the attention of professional scouts and Olympic team selectors.
Abugire continues to climb in her field rankings, and with graduation on the horizon, she’s planning for both postgraduate studies and continued competition—possibly through graduate assistantships or coaching roles.
Their futures are bright, but their focus remains on the present: finishing strong, competing hard, and lifting their teammates along the way.
Student-Athlete Voices: Humility and Gratitude
When asked about the honors, both athletes emphasized the role of their teammates, coaches, and the university community.
William Amponsah:
“I feel so honored. But none of this is just about me. My teammates push me every day. My coaches believe in me. My professors challenge me to be better. That’s what makes this place so special.”
Abigail Abugire:
“It’s a blessing to be recognized, but also a reminder to keep going. I’m here because of the support of many people—my family in Ghana, my coaches here, and the people who welcomed me at West Texas A&M.”
Their humility adds to their reputation—not just as stars on the field, but as true student-leaders.
Conclusion: Excellence Defined
In an era where sports often grab headlines for controversy or chaos, the stories of William Amponsah and Abigail Abugire serve as powerful reminders of what college athletics is truly about: discipline, community, academic growth, and personal development.
Their continued recognition is not simply a reward for what they’ve done—it’s a celebration of who they are becoming. Through grace, grit, and gratitude, they are helping shape the future of West Texas A&M University—and showing the world just how far determination and heart can take you.