Cally Gibbs
Grinnell, Iowa
Class of 2025
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central College because it felt like home. I really liked the environment and how welcoming everyone was. I also loved how Central gave me the opportunity to continue my athletic career and build relationships with each of my professors.
Favorite professor and why?
I have so many professors that I love here at Central, but if I had to pick one, it would be Erin Durflinger because she is so down-to-earth, understanding, and always willing to help everyone. She relates to all of her students and builds personal relationships with each and every one of them as she asks about their days, weekends, games, and much more.
You’re majoring in elementary education because?Â
I have been fortunate enough to learn from and be inspired by some amazing teachers growing up, one of them being my mom. They have all impacted me in one way or another and they have made me realize that I want to lead and teach people, too. It has always been important to me that I have a job that I love doing, something that allows me to make a difference as well as inspire others to do the same, and as soon as I started in the education program here, I knew I was in the right place!
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am a Geisler Penquite Scholar and have been involved in service-learning. I hope to be more involved in other things over the next years.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
My music taste is all over the place. I am constantly listening to different genres like country, pop, throwbacks, etc. Right now, I am constantly listening to Tate McRae’s newest album.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
It has taught me how to manage my time well, how to collaborate with my professors effectively, how to set high expectations for myself, how to be adaptable, and how to push myself to be the best I can be. Throughout my time at Central, I have also met some amazing people and teammates who will definitely become lifelong friends.
Dream or favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is Cancún, but my dream vacation spot would either be Bora Bora or Hawaii.
Favorite Disney movie as a kid
I watched a ton of Disney movies as a kid so it is hard to pick just one. But some of my favorites were Tinker Bell, Surf’s Up, Madagascar, Over the Hedge, Open Season, and all of the High School Musical movies.
What would you want your theme song to be when you entered a room?
This question is so hard for me to answer! I truly have no idea what it would be, I would probably change it every day or even every time I walked into another room.
Favorite professional basketball team or player?
Katie Lou Samuelson! I have been a big fan of hers since she played for UCONN, Team USA, and the Los Angeles Sparks.
Favorite TV Show
Friends is always my go-to show and my all-time favorite! But I also love The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Dynasty, Jane the Virgin, and The Great British Baking Show.
What’s it like to play for Coach Weiland?
Playing for Coach Weiland is great because he wants us all to push each other to be our best, he holds us all accountable, and he has so much faith in every single player on the team. He has loads of confidence in our team!
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central’s women’s basketball team?
My favorite part would have to be the people I am surrounded by on a daily basis. My teammates are so fun to be around and there is never a dull moment with any of them. I love how the team is always there for each other, celebrating our successes and picking each other up in the harder moments. I also like how we can push each other in practice and be competitive with one another, but still walk out of the gym being best friends.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Ten years from now I hope to either be teaching a classroom full of amazing students, helping them to learn and pushing them to reach their full potential, or to be coaching a basketball team of my own and helping them to succeed in any way possible. I also hope to have a family of my own and I would love to have a dog, too!
Favorite food from Central Market
Popcorn Chicken Sundaes!
Bucket list
- Go skydiving
- Travel to Europe
- See the Northern Lights
- Visit New York City around Christmas
