Cali Coffman
Leawood, Kan.
Class of 2023
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because I wanted to continue to run track and I was interested in the pre-athletic training program. I did an overnight stay with two of my former teammates, Kiki Pingel and Courtney Kruthoff. I immediately felt like I belonged on the Central team.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Professor Mate Kodjo. He has been my professor and Spanish advisor for the last couple of years. Class is never dull (especially when he tries to sneak in exams 2 days earlier than they are listed on the syllabus).Â
You’re majoring in exercise science and Spanish because?
I am majoring in exercise science and Spanish. The exercise science major will prepare me for graduate school for athletic training. I have always been interested in medicine and sports, and athletic training combines the two. I decided to major in Spanish because I believe that knowing another language is an important career and life skill.Â
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
Besides athletics, I am involved in the OLAS club.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I like to listen to Kali Uchis, Young the Giant, Saba, Brooks and Dunn, Tyler the Creator, Chris Stapleton -- a wide variety
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Continuing to participate in track at Central has allowed me to improve as a student and athlete, and create a healthy lifestyle that I can apply to life after I graduate. Track keeps me healthy and active during the year, and helps alleviate stress by giving me a break during the day. There is definitely a connection between success in sports and school.
What is one of your best memories from your childhood?
Some of the best memories from my childhood are going to my mom’s family farm in Iowa every year for the 4th of July. I loved watching fireworks and going to the parades in Grandview and Morning Sun.
What made you try pole vault for the first time?
My freshman year of high school, I went to the Kansas state track meet to compete in the hurdles. I saw athletes competing in pole vault for the first time, and decided that I wanted to try it the next season. After one season, I had to choose between 300 m hurdles and pole vault, and ended up choosing hurdles. When I came to Central, Coach Fuller insisted that I try out pole vault again.
What was your dream job growing up?
My dream job growing up was to be a veterinarian. I loved animals, especially my three cats. Once I realized that most animals (especially cats) don’t like going to the vet, I decided it wasn’t the job for me.
If you could live in a book, TV show, or movie, what would it be?
If I could live in a movie, I would live in the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Favorite TV Show
Jane the Virgin or Criminal Minds
What’s the best part about Central’s track and field coaching staff?
The best part about Central’s track and field coaching staff is their dedication to the sport and how much they care about their athletes on and off the track.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central College track and field team?
My favorite part of being on the Central track team is being with my teammates. They are a fun, caring, and hard working group of people!
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to be an athletic trainer for a professional hockey or football team.
Favorite food from Central Market
My favorite foods from Central Market are fresh cookies on Tuesday and cook to order eggs
Bucket list
- Go skiing
- Travel to every continent (except Antarctica)
- Be an athletic trainer for the Chiefs!
