Central College Athletics

Luci Laidlaw
Pella, Iowa
Class of 2026

Why did you choose Central?

One of the biggest reasons I chose Central is because my dad is the men's soccer coach here. Central has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember and has always felt like home, so I knew it was where I belonged. On top of that, I've been taking violin lessons from Central's violin professor and have been playing in the orchestra since my freshman year of high school. I was very happy with how my musical life was progressing at Central and wanted to keep that going.

Favorite professor and why?

I'm a big fan of Professor Babcock in the Music department. He is my music theory professor, and he does an incredible job taking an extremely difficult subject and making it as simple as possible. He sets high expectations but always makes them very attainable for each student. I feel like I've learned a life's worth of knowledge from one year of his class!
 
You’re majoring in music education because?

Ever since I started playing the violin in 5^th grade, I've had an extremely strong love for and connection with music. I was involved in many high-level orchestras throughout my high school years, and when I discovered that there were actually a lot of amazing job opportunities for classical musicians, I knew I was meant to pursue it. I also love working with kids, and I'd love to help them see what joys the violin can bring them in the same ways it brought me.
 
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?

I'm a long-time member of the Central College-Community Orchestra, and I'm also part of the crew of RA's! I love being there to support our students in every way I can.
 
Who are your go-to musical artists?

My favorite artist is hands-down Conan Gray, but I'm also a fan of Harry Styles, Radiohead, and AJR. Most of my other favorites are the classics: The Beatles, John Lennon, Elton John, David Bowie, and Billy Joel... to name a few.
 
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?

Attending Central and joining the triathlon team was truly one of the best decisions I've ever made. I have learned so much more about myself through the experience, and have discovered just how much I am capable of when I believe in myself.
 
Favorite professional sports teams?

Newcastle United F.C., an English soccer club, is a big one in my household, and although I'm not a die-hard, I do still support the Toon! Personally, I'm really into watching Team USA swimming. I'd love to see some of my favorites like Katie Ledecky, Regan Smith, and Lydia Jacoby in person someday.
 
What’s the best place to eat in Pella?
 
My favorite is definitely George's Pizza and Steakhouse. Their unique Greek-style pizza is to die for! 
 
Biggest pet peeves?

Slow walkers drive me crazy. For some reason, I always feel the need to walk fast, even if I'm not in a rush. It's always a pain to be stuck behind a crowd of people walking extremely slow.
 
If you could live in a book, which one would you choose?

I would choose The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It would be an absolute dream to live on the Yorkshire Moors in the English Countryside, especially with the added bonus of living in a mansion and having a beautiful, private garden to while away the hours in.
 
Favorite TV Show

Stranger Things when I want a good thriller, and The Office when I want a good laugh.
 
What’s it like to play for Coach Hedrick-Rozenberg?

Jennie is such a great coach for our triathlon team. She believes in all of us even more than we believe in ourselves, and she is so great at encouraging us to push ourselves as far as we can. Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious and makes every practice so much fun. Not only is she a great coach, but she's also an overall fun person to be around, especially on our trips!
 
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central triathlon team?

My favorite part of being on Central's triathlon team is the trips that we take to our races. I love everything about them: the long van rides where we do the goofiest things, the pre-race meals, the Starbucks runs, the hotel stays, the sightseeing, and - of course - the opportunity to race with so many incredible athletes from around the nation.
 
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

I'm hoping to either have a private violin studio or a job as a violin teacher at a music academy. I'd also love to play in a professional orchestra! I also hope to have a family of my own, and maybe a cat or two.
 
Favorite food from Central Market

Cook-to-order fried rice! It can turn even the worst of days into a great one.
 
Bucket list

I'd really love to travel the world someday and experience life from different cultures and perspectives. I also have this crazy dream to see the Northern Lights someday. That would be incredible.