Alyssa Mayhew
North Aurora, Ill.
Class of 2024
Why did you choose Central?
My brother went to Central before I did and he was the one who convinced me to visit in the first place. Central immediately moved to the top of my college list right after my first visit. I could tell how invested the professors are in their students and the coaches in their athletes. In the end that was icing on the cake that made me choose Central.
Favorite professor and why?
Dr. Anya Butt is my favorite professor. Dr. Anya has invested a lot of time and effort into my education as well as my career following graduation. Dr Anya, along with Dr. Mena, took me on a once in a lifetime research trip to Chile. This was an incredible travel experience and gave me research experience in my field. Dr. Anya gives me endless amounts of advice. Dr. Anya also always has snacks and hot chocolate readily available in her office.
You’re majoring in environmental science because?
Environmental Science with minors in Global Health and Geography. I have always been passionate about the environment and knew that I wanted to major in Environmental Science. My classes expand my knowledge on the environment in many aspects and are always interesting. My minors come from classes I took freshman year that sparked my interest that I wanted to explore more.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am a tutor for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and I conduct research in GIS. I also studied abroad in Barcelona my junior year.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
My top artists are without a doubt Noah Kahan, Mt. Joy, Maggie Rogers, and Tyler Childers.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
It has taught me to keep showing up. My first two years as an athlete at Central weren’t perfect. I seemed to sustain injury after injury and never had a complete season. It took a lot to keep putting in the work and keep showing up. This track season I am having my best season yet. It took three years of persistent work to finally have a season that I am proud of. I know I will be able to apply that philosophy to my future, and I am grateful for running at Central for teaching it to me.
Who do you admire the most?
I admire all of my teammates! They are the hardest workers I know. It has been so inspiring to watch them excel both on and off the track over the past few years. Their improvement and hard work has motivated me to be the best athlete I can be.
All-time favorite movie?
My all-time favorite movie is Free Willy
What’s the best background noise while doing homework/studying? (music, natural sound, etc.)
For studying I like to have a dumb movie on in the background. For regular homework I have to listen to some form of music, preferably Noah Kahan.
Teammate who should have reality TV show cameras following them around?
Megan Johnson. She's the goofiest of us all and is endlessly entertaining. I would watch a reality show about her life in a heartbeat.
Favorite TV Show
Greys Anatomy, but only the older seasons.
What’s it like to compete for Coach Dunham?
Coach Dunham has passion and drive to help his runners succeed.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central women’s track and field team?
The women on the team are the most supportive people I know. They’re always there to give a hug, lend a listening ear, and cheer each other on. I am grateful for their endless support over the past 4 years.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Working a job related to Global Health and Environmental Science all while enjoying my weekends in the mountains. Enjoying a life full of endless adventures, lots of hiking, and climbing lots of mountains.
Favorite food from Central Market
Mediterranean Bar
Bucket list
See the Northern Lights in Norway, hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim, go to all 7 continents and all 50 states, see a whale in Alaska, and go skydiving. Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway while skydiving would be pretty cool.
