Taylor Jones
Knoxville, Iowa
Class of 2025
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because it felt like home. I loved the atmosphere of Central College, and it is pretty in all seasons.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Pavlat. He cares about you as a person, is knowledgeable, and is always willing to help in any way he can. I also really enjoy his classes.
You’re majoring in kinesiology because?
I am majoring in Kinesiology because I enjoy learning about the movement of the body and have always been fascinated by what it can do. With this knowledge, I can help others in the future.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I have been involved with FCA since I was a freshman.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
A few of my go-to artists would be Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Tyler Childers, and Luke Bryan.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Playing a sport at Central has changed my life tremendously. I came into college not having done a triathlon before, and I never knew I would fall in love with a sport as much as I did. I can do this sport the rest of my life and I have goals of doing Ironman’s after college. I have also found some of my best friends through it and have learned so much about myself.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Marion County?
My favorite place to eat in Marion County is Kone Korner in Knoxville. I love the Indian tacos and cookie dough ice cream.
What’s the longest distance you’ve ever swam in a day?
The longest distance I’ve swam would probably have been around 6,000 - 8,000 meters during a swim practice.
What was the last picture you took on your phone?
The last picture I took on my phone was a book from Barnes and Noble called Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. I enjoy reading and have been trying to find some good thriller books.
Favorite Central memory so far?
My favorite memory so far would have to be the trip to California my team took this season. We got the opportunity to go to Mount Shasta and compete against good competition. The views were beautiful, and we also got to go on a hike.Â
Favorite TV Show
I love Greys Anatomy and Yellowstone.
What’s it like to compete for Coach Hedrick-Rozenberg?
Competing for Jennie has not been anything new to me. She was my swim coach when I was 9 years old and now she’s my triathlon coach at 20. When I have practice with her I never dread it. She challenges and pushes me to my limits, but I am the athlete I am because of her. She is always enthusiastic and positive when it comes to all her athletes. It is a joy to be one of her athletes and I am so happy to be a part of this growing sport.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central’s women’s triathlon team?
Not only is this a growing sport, but it is a sport that pushes you mentally and physically in many ways. The girls are all so supportive and willing to get better every day. That type of attitude is what successful teams need. I love the team atmosphere and how supportive we all are of each other. This sport allows all athletes to compete and grow in their own ways. It has changed my life for forever.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to have a successful career that I am happy with. I want to enjoy going to work and love what I do. I want to be settled down anywhere in the Midwest with my future husband and family. Hopefully I’ll have done a few Ironmans and ran some marathons. I would imagine I will have a few dogs and some cats in 10 years.
Favorite food from Central Market
I enjoy building my own sandwich. Normally I get a flatbread with chicken, peperoni, and salami with vegetables and of course it is pressed. But you can’t forget fresh cookie Tuesday, the monster cookies are my favorite.
Bucket list
I don’t have a long bucket list, but I do want sky dive and zip-line through a forest.
