Jessie Pospisil
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Class of 2025
Why did you chose Central?
I’ve spent every summer since 2015 on Central’s campus for FCA Sports Camp. Central became a place that I was very comfortable at even before I started thinking about where to attend college. When I came for Scholar Day, I knew it was the right place for me academically. Competitive dancing is a huge passion of mine and knowing that Central had a decorated team made my decision so much easier. Now that I’m here, I would never want to be anywhere else.
Favorite professor and why?
Ann McDonald and Matt Sutter are my favorite professors in the Business department. Both of these professors teach with intentionality and make an effort to explain concepts to match everyone’s learning style. They also both make a huge effort to connect with students outside the classroom as well; always checking in on how I’m doing and being hard on me when I need it.
You’re majoring in Business Management because?
The world runs on business. When you get a job, you involve yourself in the business world even if
you are your business. I chose business because I wanted to better understand how the system works so that I can be successful in my future career. There are also many functions of business that revolve around building connections with people like management, marketing, sales, etc. and I make it a goal of mine to meet new people and connect with everyone I encounter.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am on the leadership team for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization on campus that meets once a week. I am also a part of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. For my work study the last couple years, I represent Central to prospective students and their families as an Admissions Ambassador.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
When I was in high school, I started listening to Blink-182 and never stopped. Even though I was late to the fan club, I really like Taylor Swift and her platform as well.
How has attending Central and dancing impacted your life?
Both Central and dance have helped me grow into my most authentic self. Growing up as a dancer, I was constantly expected to “show-off” my individuality in performances. This is a huge part of the entertainment aspect of the sport. It’s kind of hard to show off who you are when you don’t quite know yet or if you hold back from being uniquely you. It wasn’t until I really started to be confident in who I was as “Jessie” that I started to truly be able to thrive in my sport as a dancer. The people at Central College truly care and want to know me as
me which makes it so much easier to be confident in who I am. Dance helps me me free and express who I am and when you find something you can do that within, you’ll want to do forever.
What do you wish people understand about on a collegiate dance team?
Just like every other sport, dance team jumps to another level when you reach college. There are more intricate routines, intense practices, challenging competitions, advanced skills, and commitment to other teams to build entertainment. I don’t think people truly understand how physically demanding dancing is and how much preparation goes into competitive routines.
Person on the team you’d take with you to win the Amazing Race?
Grace Osthus! She’s a freshman this year and I wish I had her work ethic. There’s no doubt in my mind that she would powerhouse through the race with me until the very end!
What’s your best Central memory so far?
Winning Nationals as a freshman really was an amazing experience that I will never forget. The team worked so hard, and it is such an accomplishment. I will remember sitting on stage with the top 4 finalist teams and squeezing each other hands in anticipation. When they called our name, I will never forget the joy and energy that came from knowing our work paid off, we beat amazing teams, we made school history, and we wowed the judges more than any other team. I don’t think any of us stopped smiling for at least like 3 days.
What’s the most important thing in your dorm room?
Jordan Crooks (she’s my roommate). I honestly think that making connections with people is way better than owning a valuable object. I appreciate having a roommate like Jordan who genuinely cares about how people are doing and comforts them in their situations. She is very mindful and teaches me how to be a good friend.
Favorite TV Show
I love
Rick and Morty because it’s funny and random.
What’s it like to work with Coach Gbogbo?
Lexi works very hard to put the teams and routines together every year. She fuels our fire for the season with positive energy and intensity. I know that if I was ever in a sticky situation, Lexi would be there to help me figure it out. She’s been where we are and has so much experience in the sport so she understands exactly how we are feeling and how to guide us toward success. Our success as a collegiate, competitive team is rooted in her coaching, more than she will ever take credit for. She pushes us each year to be more extraordinary then the last.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central Dance?
The environment on this team is so refreshing compared to other teams I’ve been on. Every girl wants to be at practice and wants to work hard. The energy is so positive, and everyone is always cheering each other on. Each year the girls on the team have not only been great teammates to each other but also genuinely like each other and get along which is rare and so sweet!
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I will be 30. I hope to have had danced for the last 10 years in places all across the country on a pro dance team and hopefully by 30, I’ll be getting ready to settle down somewhere with a family.
Favorite food from Central Market
Fried Mushrooms
Bucket list
- Shine my light (Matthew 5:16)
- Leave an impact
- Travel the world
