Central College Athletics

Franie Burnett
Ankeny, Iowa
Class of 2024


Why did you chose Central?

I chose Central primarily because of the softball program and its reputation and competitive culture. However, my academics is also really important to me and hearing how students are able to build relationships with their professors with smaller class sizes appealed to me. I know that feeling comfortable enough to ask your professors a question to further understand the material can really help your success in the classroom and I knew I could get that here at Central.

Favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is Dr. Garr. She has been my advisor since I was a freshman and I have also had her as a professor in many classes as well as been her research student. She has always been enthusiastic in the classroom but what I think really sets Dr. Garr apart is the care and compassion she has towards her students. I have always known Dr. Garr to push students to be their best but she also balances that with showing her students she cares about them as people as well.

You’re majoring in chemistry because? 

I am a chemistry major with a minor in mathematics. I took chemistry and many math classes in high school and really enjoyed the subjects. Honestly, it was the fact I liked it in high school that I decided to pursue it in college and it really kind of just stuck.

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

I am involved in SAAC - the student athlete advisory committee.

Who are your go-to musical artists?

Ed Sheeran and I love the soundtracks of many musicals such as Beetlejuice and Mamma Mia!

How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?

Attending Central along with playing softball here has impacted me in various ways. However, something I have really taken away is not everything goes the way you want it to. But what I have continued to see is you can control the outcome with how you respond.

Teammate who should try out for American Idol?

The one and only Anya Kistenmacher.

Most memorable off the field moment of your Central softball career?

The most memorable moment for me thus far was hearing our name called out during the selection show last year and that we were going to get to host. Not only was that the first time any of us experienced a post we were also getting to play at home on our beautiful field.
 
Ocean/lake or mountains?

This is difficult because I do love both, but if I had to choose, I would choose the mountains.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

I believe the last gift I gave someone was a lego stadium figure of their favorite baseball team.

Favorite TV Show

The Big Bang Theory! The best and funniest show ever!

What’s it like to play for Coach Wares?

To play for Coach Wares is to play for a person who pushes you to go beyond what you believe you can do while also showing how much he cares for you as a person. He has this ability to make you believe that you can go a step further and eventually you just do.

What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central softball team?

My favorite part about being a member of the softball team is knowing that I will forever have a connection with all the women who wore a Central Softball uniform before me as well as those who get an opportunity to wear it in the future. The alumni connection is something the program really values and is one of my favorite parts about Central softball.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

I hope 10 years from now I have a stable job and home and have the means to take care of my family.

Favorite food from Central Market

Fresh cookie Tuesdaay!!

Bucket list

Travel the word and explore different cultures.