Darby Lupardes Alumni Spotlight

Darby Lupardes, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, began her journey at Cowley College after graduating from Turner High School, where she earned a scholarship to play basketball. Taking a leap of faith, she moved four hours away from home to continue her education and pursue the sport she loved.

Like many students, the transition wasn’t easy at first. Adjusting to a demanding schedule of classes and athletics while being away from home proved challenging. “I was homesick in the beginning,” Darby shared, “but I quickly found my rhythm through my team, my schedule, and my routine.” That sense of belonging made all the difference.

During her two years as a member of the women’s basketball team, Darby built relationships that would last a lifetime. She was paired with teammate JaNeil Robinson her freshman year, and the two continued as roommates throughout college. Nearly 20 years later, they remain close friends—a testament to the deep bonds formed during her time at Cowley. She also credits her coaches, Coach Clark and Katrina Colwell, for pushing her beyond her limits and teaching her life skills that she still uses today.

Darby graduated in May 2009 with an Associate of Arts degree. Although she initially had an interest in mental health and psychology, she wasn’t entirely sure which path to follow. After returning home to Kansas City, Kansas, she explored different courses at Kansas City Kansas Community College, hoping to find direction. However, after the loss of her father and a period of uncertainty, she stepped away from school to focus on adjusting to life’s changes.

It was during that time that a conversation with a friend would ultimately shape her future. Encouraged to consider a career in firefighting, Darby found a renewed sense of purpose. She enrolled at Johnson County Community College to earn her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and was later accepted into the Johnson County Fire Academy. There, she excelled—graduating at the top of her class and earning the certifications needed to begin her career.

After months of applying and staying determined, Darby’s hard work paid off. In the spring of 2014, she received a conditional offer from the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department—her hometown department and a lifelong dream. She accepted and successfully completed the academy as a recruit, officially beginning her career in May 2014.

Now, nearly 12 years later, Darby continues to serve her community as a firefighter/EMT. Early in her career, she was assigned to a busy station that specialized in water rescue, where she responded to medical calls, fires, and high-risk rescue situations. Throughout her time on the job, she has continued to grow professionally, earning additional certifications in rope rescue, high-angle rescue, confined space rescue, boat operations, and swift water rescue. Today, she serves on Truck 17, where she has found both purpose and passion in her work.

Looking back, Darby sees her time at Cowley College as a defining chapter in her journey.

“I was coached and challenged in ways that forced me to grow,” she said. “There were moments where you feel like you can’t keep going, but you do. That grit, that teamwork—that’s something I carry with me every time I go on shift.”

Those lessons remain central to her career, where teamwork and resilience are critical in high-pressure situations. Every third day, she works alongside her crew, relying on the same determination and trust she developed as a student-athlete.

Even years later, Cowley still holds a special place in her heart. She remains in contact with former teammates and coaches and reflects fondly on her time in Arkansas City.

“Cowley is such a special place,” she said. “Go do all the things. Meet all the people—not just students, but the community too. It’s full of good people.”

Darby’s journey is one of perseverance, growth, and finding purpose through unexpected paths—and it all traces back to the foundation she built at Cowley College.

Darby at Cowley.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu