Coming to America | Feat. Chihiro Iwata

Salina, Kansas – For Chihiro Iwata, moving from Tokyo, Japan to Salina, Kansas was not the easiest, to say the least. Living in America has brought both challenges and highlights, shaping her growth on and off the field.

Upon her arrival in the United States, Iwata faced several obstacles, including the separation from her family and the language barrier. While she can understand the English language, it’s still difficult to respond to complex conversations. Despite this, Iwata’s academic and athletic achievements have been nothing short of impressive. She’s a standout quarterback for the Kansas Wesleyan Flag Football Team, throwing over 70 touchdowns and accumulating more than 4,500 passing yards in her first season with the program. This also earned her KCAC Offensive Player of the Year. Off the field, Iwata maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA proving all things are possible despite a language barrier.  

Reflecting on her time in the U.S., Iwata shares, “I enjoy the environment of being able to play flag football every day, but I miss the Japanese food.” While she’s grateful for the new experiences, she feels a sense of homesickness, especially when it comes to the familiar tastes of home.

In addition to her accomplishments at Kansas Wesleyan, Chihiro Iwata serves as the starting quarterback for the Japanese National Flag Football Team, which is set to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This past summer, Iwata helped lead her team to a bronze medal at the IFAF World Championship in Finland, proving herself to be one of the top players in international flag football.

Chihiro Iwata’s transition from Tokyo to Salina has been filled with ups and downs but her resilience and determination are a testament to her success on and off the field. From overcoming language barriers to becoming a standout quarterback, Iwata continues to make a name for herself both academically and athletically. Her journey is just beginning and will continue to motivate others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background.