City High’s Kongolo Mwenemkamba will continue playing football

IOWA CITY — Reflecting on his time at City High School, Kongolo Mwenemkamba speaks highly of his football and soccer teammates.

“We've played some difficult games, but we're always looking to improve after every game,” Mwenemkamba said.

Mwenemkamba, 18, moved to the United States from Tanzania in 2012. He lived in California before moving to Iowa, first living in Tiffin and then Iowa City.

He grew up playing soccer but didn’t start playing competitively until he was in Iowa. He played both football and soccer at City High.

“I started football in eighth grade,” Mwenemkamba said. “I just did it because it seemed fun, and I never turned around after that.”

Mwenemkamba is one of 377 students who mark their graduation Saturday from City High School at the Xtream Arena.

Something that stood out to him about City High was how supportive and helpful everyone was. He was especially excited to go to history class because he enjoys learning about the past and how things have changed.

“Basically everybody treats everybody like we're a big family,” Mwenemkamba said about City High. He’s enjoyed spending time with his friends and teammates.

After graduation, Mwenemkamba plans to attend Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. He will continue playing football and plans to major in kinesiology, the study of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement.

“And afterward I'm going to see where it takes me from there on,“ Mwenemkamba said.

Mwenemkamba said he’s “injury prone” but enjoys helping others. He thought it would be a good idea to learn more about the human body and what exercises can help prevent injuries.

He is both nervous and excited about what comes next and moving to a new place beyond high school. He said he’s looking forward to making new friends and continuing his education.

Maria McTaggart, instructor in the English Language Learner program at City High, said Mwenemkamba was a team leader with the soccer team.

“He encouraged them and did not give up on them,” she said.

McTaggart described Mwenemkamba as hardworking, mature and intelligent.

“His dream is to one day make it as an NFL kicker,” McTaggart said. “I am certainly wishing him the best as he goes out to fulfill his dreams and goals.”

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