Cornhole has evolved from a backyard game to a competitive professional sport in recent years. In Colorado, there are two American Cornhole League (ACL) pros, and Yetty Irwan from Fort Collins is one of the few female professionals in the sport. Irwan’s journey to becoming a pro is quite unlikely, as she never played games like cornhole growing up in Indonesia. She only started playing seven years ago when her husband set up a board in the basement.
Initially coming to the United States as an exchange student, Irwan earned a degree in experimental pathology and worked as a scientist. In 2019, she became eligible to go pro with the ACL, and she now has sponsors that help pay for travel to tournaments around the country. Irwan also plays at local venues like the Underground in Greeley, attracting others to come watch and learn about the sport.
While she aims to win a national title, Irwan is also passionate about growing the sport. She helps younger players like Colt Kenner, a 10-year-old making a name for himself on the local circuit. This year, two Colorado high school students received college scholarships for cornhole. Irwan wants to help beginners improve their game and has even spread the sport globally, including back to her home country of Indonesia where cornhole is now being played.
Irwan’s transition from a science career to becoming a professional cornhole player is a unique story that showcases the growth and popularity of the sport both locally and internationally.