Joey Parker
Bettendorf, Iowa
Class of 2022
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because of the opportunity to continue playing soccer and to study engineering. Central was the only place where I felt I could successfully pursue my improvement as a soccer player while studying engineering. The small average class size also seemed (and is) like a major plus.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Golovatski. She has always been able to make mundane and complicated engineering and physics classes be quite enjoyable and fun. She’s also extremely understanding and empathetic. She’s overall just the absolute GOAT.
You’re majoring in Engineering because?
Once I realized I wasn’t going to become a professional athlete engineering seemed like something that I wouldn’t hate. So far so good I suppose.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am involved in the Central College Society of Automotive Engineers. We are working on building a baja car for a competition in June of 2022. It will be Central SAE’s first time entering a Baja competition.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Myself. I’ve been called the songbird of my generation by people who have heard me.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
I have met so many people who I now consider to be lifelong friends through both soccer and school. The relationships that a person makes here are what makes coming here memorable.
Favorite non-soccer professional sports team?
I am a lifelong tortured Bears fan. Unfortunately, this is going to be another year of mediocrity with the Red Rifle behind center. On the bright side, it seems that Justin Fields has the potential to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and I’m already buying tickets to Canton for his HOF induction ceremony in 27 years. Hopefully this isn’t another Trubisky situation because I lost a lot of credibility standing up for that man.
What is one thing you miss about being a kid and why?
Being able to eat a bunch of terrible junk food and having no repercussions. Nowadays, you do that and you’re in big trouble. Also not having to worry about jobs/go to work. Getting older lowkey seems not fun.
What's the most expensive thing you've ever broken?
My brother and I were fighting over who got to play the piano in our house when I was 6 and we knocked over like a 6-foot-tall lamp. My dad yelled at us and I went and cried in my room. I also smashed an Xbox controller last year playing FIFA, which set me back a good 60 bucks.
If a loved one was to serenade you, what song would you most like them to sing?
Don’t Stop the Music, by Rihanna. Song is an absolute banger. Also, anything by T-Swift
Favorite TV Show
Right now, got to go with Ted Lasso. In the past: HIMYM, The Office, Star Wars the Clone Wars, Game of Thrones, The West Wing, Lovesick and the Mandalorian to name a few.
What’s it like to play for Coach Laidlaw?
Playing for Coach Laidlaw has been a fantastic experience. He has made me a much better soccer player and also, he cares about his players’ success in life outside soccer and after Central. Also, Coach Foskett has taught me the art of dry British wit and Coach Jensen has taught me the art of being more positive
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central men’s soccer?
The camaraderie since I have joined Central Men’s Soccer has been unmatched. My first day as a freshman it was like I showed up and instantly had 30-40 friends. I also love how on this team; people of every grade hang out with each other. As a freshman I made lifelong friends with upperclassmen and now as a senior I am becoming friends with this year’s incoming class. It truly has been a great experience.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Hopefully I have a job in engineering and get to coach soccer. Also, hopefully Justin Fields is still the franchise quarterback for the Bears and Zach Lavine’s jersey is getting hung up in the rafters for leading the Chicago Bulls to a championship in his time there.
Favorite food from Central Market
CTO Brisket Quesadillas
Bucket list
Go to a Leicester City game at the King Power Stadium
USMNT World Cup game
Bulls and Bears playoff game
Win the lottery
