Thea Lunning
Mason City, Iowa
Class of 2023
Why did you choose Central?
I liked that Central is small enough to form close connections yet still have great opportunities.
Favorite professor and why?
Professor Mena has been wonderful! She’s very passionate about what she teaches and that really shines through. She’s also so supportive and excited to hear about or help me with any endeavor.
You’re majoring in Biology because?
I have always loved science and there is just so much to learn in that field. I’m also planning on becoming an optometrist so my biology major is forming a great basis of knowledge for graduate school.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
Beyond golf, triathlon, and school work, I also am interning at EyeCare Partners.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Noah Kahan, Quinn XCII, Mac Miller, or The Lumineers are always solid options. Any country music is also a great vibe though.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
It’s challenged me to be a better version of myself for sure. It’s taught me to work hard and trust the process. It’s also given me life long friends.
What club in your bag do you trust the most?
I feel like I can always pull out my 7 iron, we have a special connection. I trust and love all my odd numbered clubs though.
Hardest part about balancing golf and triathlon during the fall?
I’d say getting enough sleep was the most challenging part. There are only so many hours in the day to complete everything and that was very evident to me during the fall season.
If you could add one word to the dictionary, what would it be and what does it mean?
Carpeday: The day between Saturday and Sunday. Taken from the phrase carpe diem meaning seize the day because you could get a lot done with an extra day of the weekend.
Better place to visit: Ocean or mountains?
The ocean 100%
Favorite TV Show
I have a lot of comfort shows but New Girl has to be my favorite one.
Honorable Mentions: Parks and Rec, Modern Family, Life in Pieces, Gilmore Girls, Avatar the Last Airbender
What’s it like to play for Coach Schumacher?
She’s a supportive presence and always willing to help in a way that works for each player. She also endorses our dessert runs every weekend which is much appreciated.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central golf?
My teammates! They’re absolutely amazing and they’ve made being on the golf team so much fun. They’ve challenged me to be a better player and person throughout my time here and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to be a practicing optometrist with my own private practice in 10 years. I also hope that I’m still golfing, competing in triathlons, and genuinely happy with my life.
Favorite food from Central Market?
The fresh cookies on Tuesdays are always great.
Bucket list
I would love to…
? Play at Augusta National
? Learn how to surf
? Get a Hole-In-One
? Complete an Ironman
? Become a philanthropist
