Chengetayi "Du" Mapaya's Story

Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe
Major/Degree: Communication Studies and Business Minor
Graduating Year: 2022
Sport: Men's Track & Field

What accomplishments has your scholarship helped you accomplish? In the classroom, in the community and/or in your sport?
I have been able to engage with different cultures not only at TCU but around TCU. I have become a better leader and have become more responsible in my day to day living. I have become a more confident individual who now knows how to stick to what I want. There is a family bond that is at TCU and a sense of community. I have accomplished a lot from a competition aspect and have gained a lot of experience being exposed to different events.

Some of my achievements are: 2021 OTF First Team All-American (Triple Jump), 2021 OTF Big 12 Champion (Triple Jump), 2021 ITF NCAA Silver Medalist (Triple Jump), 2021 ITF First Team All-American (Triple Jump), 2021 ITF Big 12 Champion (Triple Jump), 2020 ITF USTFCCCA All-American (Triple Jump), 2020 ITF Big 12 Silver Medalist (Triple Jump), 2019 OTF NCAA National Champion (Triple Jump), 2019 OTF First-Team All-American (Triple Jump), 2019 OTF Big 12 Champion (Triple Jump), 2019 ITF First-Team All-American (Triple Jump), 2019 ITF Big 12 Champion (Triple Jump), 2019 ANSA Runner Up Sportsman of the Year in Zimbabwe, 2018 OTF First-Team All-American (Triple Jump), 2018 OTF Big 12 Triple Jump Bronze Medalist, 2018 ITF NCAA Bronze Medalist, 2018 ITF First-Team All-American (Triple Jump), 2018 ITF Big 12 Triple Jump Bronze Medalist No. 1 in TCU History for Outdoor Triple Jump, No. 1 in TCU History for Indoor Triple Jump, African Junior Championship Gold Medalist, African Junior Triple Jump Meet Record Holder.

What resources do you find to be the most valuable to you?
Everything at TCU has been beneficial in becoming the athlete and individual that I want to be. I have greatly improved in all aspects of my life. The academics have been top notch, the facilities and resources provided have been amazing. Coming from Zimbabwe, I have a unique level of appreciation for everything that has been given to me and I can see what has to be improved upon in my own country.

Who is one of your role models and why?
My parents. Coming from a family that is not always financially stable they have worked very hard to make sure that all of their children have food on the table and receive a good education. They have built me to be the respectful person I am. My morals have been built by my parents.

How will the education you are receiving benefit you after you leave TCU?
Getting a TCU degree would give me the stepping stone I need to apply and receive a good job that includes the ability to work in groups. TCU drives and teaches people how to work well in groups. I will and want to be a good leader in the workforce.

What is your favorite TCU memory so far?
All of my memories are one in a million. This is such a great school and being here is just a blessing. No day passes without me appreciating that I am here.

If you had the opportunity to talk with a Frog Club donor what would you say to them?
I would love the chance one day to actually talk to all of our Frog Club donors face-to-face. I would express how thankful I am and explain that there are no words to express the pure gratitude and just how thankful I am.