Lauren Coon
Oskaloosa, Iowa
Class of 2023
Why did you chose Central?
I chose Central because I knew I wanted a small school atmosphere, while being able to have a one-on-one contact with professors in order excel in the classroom. Another reason I chose Central is because of the genuine care that Coach Dunham had for me from the first time I met him! I knew that I wanted him to be my coach for the next four years of my running career.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Professor Dunne. He is the funniest, most laid back professor who has a great balance of thoroughly teaching the classroom material, but also being able to relate to students in a fun way therefore always making our lecture and lab classes interesting!
You’re majoring in biology because?
I am currently majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry because I have always enjoyed science and I want to pursue a dental degree after excelling at Central College.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
My go-to artists are Dan + Shay, Lauren Daigle, Leeland, and Elevation Worship
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Attending Central and participating in sports has influenced my life because it has given me life-long relationships that I would not have had if I didn’t come to Central. It has also given me more opportunities and memories that I am so grateful for!
What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?
If I was able to tell my childhood self anything it would be to trust the process in everything you do. When you put in the work, the results will come. Continue to work hard in all you do and you’ll eventually meet your goals.
What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
Currently my favorite thing to spend my money on is running clothes, new running shoes, food, and swimsuits (because a girl can never have to many swimsuits
What language do you wish you could speak?
If I was able to be fluent in another language, I would choose to be fluent in Spanish because I feel like I would be able to use it in many different scenarios.
Chore you absolutely hate doing
Honestly…there isn’t really a chore I despise because believe it or not I typically really enjoy cleaning haha! But if I had to choose my least favorite chore, I would say dusting the whole house.
Favorite TV Show
During quarantine I found out that my favorite show is Grey’s Anatomy because I had never watched it before. I now watch it all the time when I am at home!
What’s it like to run for Coach Dunham?
Running for Coach Dunham is so fun!! He pushes us to be our best everyday, and truly cares about his athletes. He is able to be serious with us in training but then joke with us any other time. He is good about making the workouts hard, but that’s when we get better and faster so the results are so worth it! He also cares about each and every one of his athletes and is willing to do most anything to help them.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central cross country?
My favorite part about being a central athlete is the family atmosphere that comes from the team! As soon as I stepped on campus for my overnight visit the team was so welcoming and I knew that Central is where I wanted to be. Another one of my favorite things about being a Central athlete is that you get to do what you love with your best friends every day. It makes putting in the work so much easier!
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
In 10 years I hope to be working in the Dental field, and enjoying life to the fullest!
Favorite food from Central Market
My favorite food from Central Market is the fruit loop desert bars that are occasionally at dinner. You can always count on Hailey Hill and I to have at least 2 of them after dinner when they are available!
Bucket list
I would say the top things on my bucket list are to travel to Paris with my best friends, run a marathon, and go skydiving.
