Central College Athletics

Kira Hooper
Henderson, N.C.
Class of 2025

Why did you choose Central?

I chose Central because I grew up in a relatively large city in California and when I came on a visit here, I immediately loved the small town vibe, maybe not all the corn though. I also met some of my teammates and clicked with them instantly. 

Favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is definitely Dr. Garr because I had her for General Chemistry and Intro to Physics 2 and in both courses she was available to me anytime I had questions or just wanted to go through review problems.

You’re majoring in biology because?

 I am majoring in Biology to hopefully attend Veterinary school!

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

 I am honestly not involved in anything else besides running on campus, sorry for the disappointment. #runningislife

Who are your go-to musical artists?

My go-to artists are Zach Bryan of course, along with Mitchell Tenpenny, Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson.

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

Being in track and cross country at Central has impacted my life significantly because all of my best friends are on the team. I know that if I needed anything I can call any one of them and they would help out, especially when my truck died a few times over the years. Along with that, it was nice knowing that coming in as a freshman I already had people to sit with in classes and even at lunch. 

Person past or present you’d like to have lunch with

I would love to have lunch with Sydney Mclaughlin! She is a huge inspiration with running, even if I am not a sprinter. With the talent that she has and how she always thanks Jesus for her wins is so motivating and it would be awesome talking about how she got to where she is now with going to Paris for the Olympics soon!

Most important book you’ve ever read?

 Well I wouldn't exactly say reading is my hobby, so I have not read many books for fun, but the most important one that I have read so far would be, "Get Out of Your Head" by Jennie Allen because it helps people to pivot negative thoughts towards a God-centered mindset. I have struggled in the past with my mentality and staying positive, and with this book, it has helped me to realize that life is going to go how God wants it to, not how I want it to! 

Favorite snack/candy and drink combination at the movie theater?

 My favorite snack/candy and drink combination at the movies would definitely be peanut m&ms and cherry coke, shout out Sara Goodenbour (soon-to-be DeHaan)! 

If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you’d do?

If I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is go to as many animal shelters as I can and either adopt them all, if they let me, or divide up the money and donate it to as many as I could.

Favorite TV Show

My favorite TV show has got to be Grey's Anatomy, I love the good McDreamy and McSteamy action.

What’s it like to play for Coach Dunham?

Running for Coach Dunham has been amazing from the start. We first really bonded over the Del Taco that I would eat when I was still living in California and he would get jealous over it. (It is not as good as it seems.) He also really cares about his athletes and puts in effort to make a close relationship with each one. 

What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central’s women’s cross country team?

 My favorite part about being a member of Central's women's cross country team is that we do almost everything together. We go from some of the classes together, to lunch, to practice, to dinner, to homework, then to sometimes having sleepovers. I am going to miss that the most once I graduate. 

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

In 10 years, I hope to be owning my own animal facility where I rehabilitate all kinds of animals (using my Veterinary license) and then use them for therapy for kids and adults. 

 Favorite food from Central Market

 My favorite food from the Central Market is the burrito bar. I love making them into a bowl like Chipotle. Chipotle > Pancheros!!

 Bucket list

My bucket list is to travel to every Country before I die, I have never been outside of the country and I would love to just take time to travel anywhere and everywhere.