Central College Athletics

Brianna Lindstrom
North Aurora, Illinois
Class of 2024

Why did you chose Central?

My family and I decided to take a look at Central after all the letters we received in the mail. I later found out that some alum from my high school and others in my grade were looking at Central too. I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school just wasn’t set on the distance from home. After my first visit, I really enjoyed the atmosphere from everyone around. The second visit sealed the deal after speaking with Coach Ferrell and exploring a little bit more. Other than the atmosphere and the great programs offered, I also liked that I would have the opportunity to play tennis a little bit longer and at a collegiate level.
 
Favorite professor and why?

Picking my favorite professor is a tough question. All of the professors in the kinesiology department are wonderful in and out of the classroom. I can go to any of them for any reason and they are willing to help or answer a simple question. Some of my professors in the department also keep tabs on me academically and athletically which I appreciate very much. Outside of the department however, my favorite professor would have to be Professor Kate Nesbit. Each class we learn about the information through discussions and rarely have a full lecture. I really enjoy this method of learning as I stay engaged and Professor Nesbit’s energy is always great.
 
You’re majoring in kinesiology because?

I am majoring in kinesiology because I want to make a difference in people’s lives, big or small. The field of kinesiology has so many occupations and opportunities to make a person’s life better. Throughout my education at Central College, the kinesiology classes have especially shown me how important putting physical and mental first before anything is. I would like the opportunity to impart to others the value of caring for oneself and the enjoyment that can be had in the process.
 

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

Other than a work study on campus, I am not involved in anything else. Academics and athletics take up a big portion of my day so if I’m not in the classroom or on the court, I am either doing homework, hanging out with my friends, or enjoying some time for myself. This upcoming semester I hope to be part of the kinesiology club that just got approved.
 
Who are your go-to musical artists?

Andy Grammer, OneRepublic, and pretty much anyone in the EDM genre.
 
 
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?

This has impacted my life in many ways. Playing a sport really helps me focus down on my class loads and working on my time management. With the amount of time spent on school and sports, I need to find a way to balance those in my life as well as time for myself and with friends. Attending Central allows me to meet and get to know so many amazing people and professors/staff. Playing a sport at Central just broadens the amount of people I get to meet, as well as make some of my connections stronger.
 
If you could be doubles partner with any professional player, who would you pick and why?

I would pick Roger Federer or Serena Williams, depending on if it was co-ed or not. Both professional players have been very inspirational to me for my own tennis career. I know I will never be able to compete at the level they have, but their dedication and work ethic towards the sport is something I try to strive for.
 
If you had to give up one, which if your five senses would you choose?

I would choose to give up smell. I love being able to see the world and its extraordinary colors. When it is hard to see in the dark, touch is my go-to for navigating my room in the dark. I love food and music too much to give up taste and sound. And going to college in Iowa, it would be nice to not smell farm animals in the distance.
 
Would you rather go into the past or the future?

I would rather go into the future. I am a very indecisive person so being able to look into the future to see how the result of my decision went would be very nice. I also tend to overthink things too often so being able to see my future would calm my mind.
 

Best vacation spot you’ve ever been to?

Before coming to college, my family and I went on a European cruise and visited Spain, Italy, and France. All of these places are so beautiful, filled with life, history, and lots of people. They were all amazing places to visit and it is an experience I will never forget.
 
Favorite TV Show

Ted Lasso
 
What’s it like to play for Coach Ferrell?

Over the last 3 years, playing for Coach Ferrell has been a blast. He always has the best interest in his players and wants us to succeed on and off the court. Compared to my past coaches, Coach Ferrell teaches us skills in tennis that we can bring with us the rest of our lives in the real world. I can be a stubborn player and Coach Ferrell knows how to get around it pretty well. This last year, I have been having meetings every now and then to work on the mentality for becoming a better athlete. I am excited for what my last year with the team and with Coach Ferrell has in store.
 
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central tennis?

My favorite part is our team dynamic. This not only applies with the women’s team but also the men’s team. The Central tennis program supports each other. Members of the men cheer on the women when they are the ones playing and vice versa. We try to have a lot of team bonding activities throughout the school year but it gets tough since all of us are very busy in school. I like how during practice and matches, anyone can go up to a teammate and mention some advice on how to tweak your play or just cheer you on. It is also nice having a bigger team because if you can’t find someone to go eat with, there will most likely be someone from the tennis team there no matter what.
 
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

I hope that I will be close with the friends I have made in college, don’t want to forget them. I would like to have a job doing something I enjoy. Maybe have a house or apartment of my own in a nice area. Along with work, I hope I have the time to travel every now and then to explore new things and experience new adventures.
 
Favorite food from Central Market

Fried Ravioli bar. I am a sucker for ravioli of any kind. But these raviolis also remind me of ones I ate at the Taste of Chicago so they kind of remind me of home as well.
 
Bucket list

- visit all of the National Parks
- see the seven wonders of the world
- attempt to surf or snowboard at least once
- see the Northern Lights
- have a solo vacation (and make it back in once piece)
- live a great life