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Athlete Awards

Central Close-Up

Tori VanVelzen

  • Award
    Central Close-Up
  • Week Of
    12/12/2019
  • Sport
    Women's Track and Field
  • Bio
    View Full Bio

Class of 2020
Cumming, Iowa


Why did you chose Central?

I transferred here to do well academically and still have the option to perform well under the great coaching staff. I liked the smaller classroom sizes and the flexibility the professors have with student-athletes. 

Favorite professor and why?

Dr. Siewert because she is always full of joy and has given me tremendous support in and out of the classroom.

Who are your go-to musical artists ?

I can’t say I have a favorite artist, but T-Pain’s mashup is a jam. 

4. You’re majoring in Biology because

I knew from the start that I wanted to go into the healthcare field and work with children.

 If you could live in a book, TV show, or movie, what would it be?

Grey’s Anatomy so I could meet Derek Shepherd and Mark Sloan. 

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Cole Sprouse gotta love Sweet Life of Zach and Cody. 

Biggest pet peeve

When people sitting in front of me lean far back in their chairs on airplanes.

Describe the worst haircut you've ever had?

One time I tried cutting bangs with child scissors, I was then given a bowl cut. 

If you could go back in time and personally witness any event, what would it be and why?

I would want to go back to this August to  see Dan and Shay but I would have told Kristen Fick to come to Des Moines earlier so she could come with everyone to see the great concert. 

How do you want to be remembered?

That tall transfer girl. 

Favorite TV Show

Grey’s Anatomy. 

What’s one thing people might not know about Coach Fuller?

His Christmas track party is a good time. Lots of prizes, food and ugly sweaters. 

What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central track and field?  

I really like how much the coaches believe in me as an athlete. They work with my schedule and try give me workouts that they know are going to put me in a place that will set me up for success. 

 “Ten years from now I’ll...”

Be living somewhere warm with my family and a few dogs making my living as a pediatric occupational therapist.

Favorite food from Central Market

Funnel cake fries. 

Bucket list

Cliff jump

Ride in a hot air balloon

Go to all 7 continents

Go on a mission trip 



Athlete Awards
Date Athlete Sport
1/15/2026 Alex Ruba Men's Basketball
1/1/2026 Abbey Bence Women's Basketball
12/18/2025 Gwendalyn Canney Women's Wrestling
12/4/2025 Ellison Ritzert Dance team
11/14/2025 Maximus Reitano Football
10/30/2025 Landry Pacha Volleyball
10/16/2025 Ava Goben Women's Cross Country
10/2/2025 Jenna Mitsuko Mahoney Women's Tennis
9/18/2025 Allie Pfantz Women's Golf
9/4/2025 Emily Patten Cheerleading
8/21/2025 Estella Allen Women's Triathlon
8/7/2025 Kelley Duffy Women's Soccer
7/24/2025 Mason Back Men's Cross Country
7/10/2025 Jack Hillis Men's Soccer
6/26/2025 Tommy Morlan Men's Track and Field
6/12/2025 Mark Kenney Baseball
6/5/2025 Mickey Martens Women's Golf
5/29/2025 Abbie Stelk Cheerleading
5/22/2025 Ernest Alvarez Chedzoy Men's Tennis
5/15/2025 Abigail White Women's Track and Field
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