Central College Athletics

Jessica Carithers
Mackinaw, Illinois
Class of 2023

Why did you choose Central?

The campus and town seemed to have a very welcoming environment and a strong sense of community when I visited.  I also wanted a smaller school that would allow me to continue playing basketball and form closer relationships with my professors.

Favorite professor and why?

Dr. Mary Stark - I have loved every class that I have taken with her, in fact I signed up for my LAS class specifically because she was teaching it.  She is very understanding and super willing to work with you.  She also tries her best to form relationships with each of her students and always asks about your life!  I feel like I have truly connected with Mary and would highly recommend to all Central students to sign up for a class with her!

You’re majoring in elementary education because?

I originally wanted to get my Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology, so I decided to get my bachelor's in el-ed first.  However, after joining Central Teacher Academy (CTA) and completing my Block 1 practicum hours, I knew that elementary ed was the route for me.  I love kids and being able to see and help them succeed!

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

I am also involved in Central Teacher Academy (CTA) and I am a Supplemental Instructor(SI).

Who are your go-to musical artists?

I am OBSESSED with a country band called Restless Road!  I have been a fan since their start and though they are not super well-known yet, after performing a song on The Bachelor last season, they are slowly starting to take off.  Along with Restless Road, Lindsey Blommers has gotten me hooked on Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan!

How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?

Central sets high expectations for its students which has encouraged me to always work hard and develop confidence in my abilities. I have also developed friendships that will last me a lifetime.  Playing a sport at Central has taught me a lot about time management, setting goals for myself, and pushing myself to be the best me that I can be.

Longest you’ve ever exercised continuously for training?

I’ve had one or two practices for triathlon that were about 3 hours long because we swam, biked, and ran.  We also had a practice where we biked with some of the tri guys in town that were about 30 miles so that’s the furthest I’ve gone for training. 

Pancheros, chipotle or other?

Honestly, I’m not a big fan of either.  I am a super picky eater so it takes a lot to find something that I would actually eat at either of those places.  I do enjoy some tacos from Moe’s Southwest Grill which is pretty similar.

Sporting event you’d love to attend 

It may seem odd, but I don’t actually watch a lot of sports.  I do enjoy watching the St. Louis Cardinals though, so it would be pretty cool to attend a World Series game they are in (of course they have to make it there first).

What’s your hidden talent?

I really don’t have any hidden talents but I did have to memorize the Greek alphabet in 6th grade and for some reason, it stuck in my brain for 10 years and I can still recite it today if that counts.

Favorite TV Show

I watch too many TV shows to narrow it down to just one, but I do love New Girl.  My family and I quote that show on the daily.  I also love police procedural/crime drama shows like Criminal Minds and 911.

What’s it like to play two sports?

It’s a lot honestly, very different than high school.  However, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.  I have been able to connect with so many people and develop so many different friendships.  I have also been able to transfer skills from each sport to the other which has been a tremendous help!  Transitioning from one sport to the next is the hardest part.

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

Triathlon:  I have loved being able to try something that I never imagined myself doing before.  We are also a very small team so I have been able to form close friendships with both my teammates and my coaches.  Susan Lyons and Jennie Hedrick-Rozenberg are wonderful coaches and even better people that I really look up to.  Competing at Nationals 2 years in a row is also an added bonus!
Basketball:  I loved having the opportunity to continue playing the sport that I have loved my whole life.  Being on the team has taught me so much about time management, leadership, and adaptability which are all important traits to have, especially as a future teacher.  I have also loved being on the team and forming relationships with each of my teammates.  My roommate, Kassidi Steel, is on the team as well which has been a lot of fun!

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

I hope to be living near the beach and be a successful 4th-grade teacher, inspiring the lives of all my students.  I also hope to have a large family of my own!

Favorite food from Central Market

Brisket quesadilla

Bucket list

Complete an Ironman (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run)
Commit to learning sign language
Live in a warm state
Ride in a hot air balloon