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Athlete Awards

Central Close-Up

Bri Smith

Bri Smith

  • Award
    Central Close-Up
  • Week Of
    12/26/2019
  • Sport
    Women's Basketball
  • Bio
    View Full Bio
Class of 2022
Solon, Iowa


Why did you chose Central?


Central has a very good balance of academics and athletics. I knew I was going to be encouraged to excel in the classroom, on the court, and in whatever else I wanted to pursue.

Favorite professor and why?

Dr. Benedict! He teaches biology with a passion and is really invested in his students’ success. The first lecture I had with him he invited the class to go catch bats for a research project and it was totally unexpected fun!

You’re majoring in biology because?

I enjoy learning about all the different kinds of organisms and how they interact with each other. It will be especially helpful as I continue to pursue my dream in healthcare. 

Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?

I am the co-president (shoutout to Connor McAdoo, my senior co-pres!) of the newly formed Clay Target Sport Club! I also work in the admissions office as a student ambassador. 

Who are your go-to musical artists?

Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Toby Keith - really just anything country!

Describe your perfect sandwich.

I always get the same sandwich from Subway! Wheat bread with chicken breast, american cheese, lettuce, spinach, and some parmesan cheese to top it off.

All-time favorite Disney movie?

Hercules! My favorite Disney villain is Hades. 

What inspired you to get your EMT license?

I knew I wanted to be in healthcare and I’m a big adrenaline junkie so it sounded like it could be fun. In all honesty, it’s become a bigger part of my life than I ever could have imagined but I wouldn’t trade a second of it for anything. Being an EMT has given me a unique opportunity to be apart of the healthcare field early and make a genuine impact on patients. 

Sporting event you’d love to attend

I don’t really watch the NBA too much but I’ve always thought it would be cool to attend a Timberwolves game.  

Teammate who would be most likely to win on “Dancing with the Stars”

Without a doubt Maddie Hartley. That girl can dance!

Favorite TV Show

Either Guys Grocery Games or Beat Bobby Flay.

What’s it like to play for Coach Steinkamp?

Coach Steinkamp has a very high basketball IQ, so it’s always interesting to see the game plans he comes up with. He really gets into the game emotionally which is always fun to watch. 

What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central basketball? 

My teammates! I’ve never met a more supportive and fun-loving group. They always have my back and they always know how to make the most out of everything.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

Settled down with a family, living on a small farm just outside of town, and working as an ER doctor. Perhaps being the medical director of an ambulance service too. I wouldn’t mind still running calls on the ambulance as a paramedic in my free time as well! 

Favorite food from Central Market 

CTO pancakes with extra chocolate chips! (If ANYONE that works at Central Market reads this: PLEASE bring back CTO pancakes every other Tuesday)

 Bucket list
  • Visit every continent
  • Pet a lion
  • Go skydiving
  • Bike across Iowa


Athlete Awards
Date Athlete Sport
11/21/2024 Selena Snell Women's Wrestling
11/14/2024 Leah Bontrager Women's Cross Country
11/7/2024 Kade Tippet Football
10/31/2024 Sydney Buseman Cheerleading
10/24/2024 Taylor Jones Women's Triathlon
10/17/2024 Taylor Thunstedt Men's Cross Country
10/10/2024 Gracie Pierson Volleyball
10/3/2024 Bailey Huizenga Women's Soccer
9/26/2024 Jessie Pospisil Dance team
9/19/2024 Gavin Hierseman Football
9/12/2024 Coleman Manuel Men's Soccer
9/5/2024 Emma Wagler Volleyball
8/29/2024 Becca Vala Women's Tennis
8/22/2024 Alex Slaymaker Men's Tennis
8/15/2024 Leslie Snow Volleyball
8/8/2024 Derek Beiner Men's Soccer
8/1/2024 Grant Nelson Football
7/25/2024 Blake Wynn Men's Golf
7/18/2024 Lydia Grond Women's Golf
7/11/2024 Ronan Murphy Men's Soccer
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