Becca Vala
Omaha, Nebraska
Class of 2025
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because it was a smaller school where I could have opportunities to do well in multiple things including academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. I also enjoy the community so much, and fell in love with the residents of Pella. This town and this campus is just so special to me!
Favorite professor and why?
All of the Kinesiology professors are AMAZING! If I had to choose my all time favorite professor, I would pick Dr. Pavlat. He has made my time at Central so awesome. He’s not only my advisor and mentor but he entrusted me to start the Kinesiology Club for our department and appointed me in the President role. He is always there for me when I need him and I can always go into his office when I need help or to see a warm smile and hear a big laugh. I am so grateful to have him in my corner!
You’re majoring in Kinesiology because?
I am majoring in Kinesiology because it’s the best department on campus!! The field of Kinesiology extends to so many different aspects of health and wellness. Our professors work so hard to make classes interesting and applicable to the real world so it’s hard not to fall in love with the major and want to work hard in class to do well! Studying Kinesiology is a great way for me to achieve my long term goal of working in Sports Medicine as well. I aim to go to PA school after graduating and specializing in Orthopedics or a Sports Medicine-related specialty.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
Besides athletics, I am involved in a lot! I’m the Kinesiology Club President which is probably one of my big extracurricular focuses. I am also in FCA, SASA, and TMK Programming Board. I also live in the Green Pods where we practice sustainable living and actively do volunteer work for the campus and surrounding community. I love volunteering at the Coat Closet, Pella Food Shelf, and the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter!
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I am a diehard rock music fan. I grew up listening to rock music because of my parents and it has always been my favorite. I love Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, Greta Van Fleet, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Guns N’ Roses a lot. I could name so many other amazing rock artists too. I also love Country music including artists like Colter Wall and Tyler Childers. It just kinda depends on my mood that day!
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Coming to Central and playing a sport has impacted my life immensely. I’ve learned a lot of good lessons but above all I’ve become pretty strong. I’ve learned how to be independent and stay true to myself with hard work and openness. I’m really proud of how I’ve grown from my experiences playing a sport at Central and I’m so grateful for all the wonderful things Central has given to me.
What’s your favorite quote to live by?
“Do everything in love” -1 Corinthians 16:14
What Disney movie would you like to live in?
Hercules! The music is great and the characters are all so beautiful! Plus magical powers sound so cool.
What’s your favorite time of the year?
FALL
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Way too many to count but you will probably only see me wearing 3 pairs of them. My Hoka running shoes, my puma sneakers, and my boots are about all I wear!
Favorite TV Show
That 70’s show. I always come back to it and it always makes me laugh and smile when I need it!
What’s it like to play for Coach Ferrell?
Playing for Coach Ferrell is a lot of fun. He cares for his players a lot and always sees us as people rather than just athletes. I appreciate that he allows us to place significance on academics and other important things in our lives rather than just tennis. We work hard during practice and workouts but he will always is there to make us laugh and take care of us.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central’s women’s tennis team?
My favorite part of being a part of the Central women’s tennis team is how wonderful our team is. Each girl brings different qualities to the team and makes our team so special and unique. I love all of my teammates and am so excited to lead as a captain this season!!
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to be making a difference in health care. I would love to be a Physician Associate (PA) hopefully in the Orthopedic specialty after my gap year. I believe health care is so cold nowadays, I want to make patients feel more positive after their visits with me and feeling like they have a provider in their corner. My goal is to brighten my patients’ days and get as many smiles out of people as possible!
Favorite food from Central Market
I don’t go to the Central Market very often but on days where the have fruit pizza… you can bet that I will be there.
Bucket list
Get ready for a long list…
- Travel, travel, travel!! (Top places I wanna go to are Australia, Italy, Switzerland, and Japan.
- Become proficient in ASL
- Get married and make a fun little family of my own
- Live somewhere with beautiful sunsets and mountains
- Become a decent snowboarder (I am terrible)
- Go Pro in Pickleball
- Go watch the Olympics in person
- Own a fluffy cow
- Own as many dog breeds as possible
- Make a difference in patients’ lives as a healthcare provider
