Jadyn Filling
Ankeny, Iowa
Class of 2026
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because of the size, with Central being a smaller school, it allows me to build relationships with my professors and classmates which has been a huge help in my academic life here. Pella is also a cute little Hallmark town that has brought me nothing but great friendships, connections, experiences, and stories to share for the rest of my life.
Favorite professor and why?
Ann McDonald is my favorite professor because she keeps the class engaging and lively, ensuring that I stay awake and focused. How she sets up her class is very student friendly and makes learning straightforward and enjoyable. She is an easy-going person, and her approachability makes me feel comfortable coming to her with any questions I have.
You’re majoring in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing because?
Understanding how businesses operate to excel in a competitive market is fascinating to me. Marketing allows you to combine creativity with strategic thinking to understand and influence consumer behavior and drive business success. I am a very social person, and marketing provides opportunities to connect with a diverse group of people to build those relationships and potentially create an impact that aligns with my long-term career goals.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
This year I joined SAAC as a women’s basketball representative with two of my teammates, Hannah Dau, and Cece Moore. So far, it’s been a fun and cool experience to collaborate to make sure the student athletes voices are heard within the NCAA.
Who are your go-to musical artists?Â
I think my top 5 have to be Flatland Calvary, The Lumineers, Sam Barber, Dylan Gosset, and Lainey Wilson
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
It has significantly shaped my personal and professional development. Balancing academics, athletics, work, and a social life has forced me to learn time management skills and stay disciplined. Being apart of this team has increased my collaborative, leadership, and problem-solving skills. And these girls I have played with for the last 3 years will always have my back and vice versa.
Put together the perfect meal from multiple restaurants.
Easy- Footlong turkey with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, black olives, and pickles from Subway. Paired with McDonalds unsweet ice-tea and Taco Johns potato Oles.
What language do you wish you could speak?
I’d love to learn French since it’s a commonly use language across Europe if I ever end up making my way over there.
Favorite basketball player to watch play?
Paige Bueckers, she is a high energy play maker. Everything she has overcame injuries wise has made me develop a even deeper respect for her game and excited to watch her in her final year at UCONN and as she continues in the WNBA.
Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?
In 2019 my family got our puppy, Mila Bear, for Christmas. She’s the cutest black lab you’ll ever see and has brought nothing but love and happiness to us. She’s just perfect.
Favorite TV Show
How I met your mother
What’s it like to play for Coach Weiland?
He’s a great coach to play for. With being out for injury all last season, he was always checking in on me physically and mentally, while still finding ways to coach me and improve my basketball game. Since being cleared and getting back into the swing of things he has been helping me keep a level head and pushing me past my limits to get to the player I want to be. It’s amazing playing for a coach that has so much passion for the game and truly believes we can make it past any obstacle ahead.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central Women’s Basketball?
The bond I share with my teammates. We’re truly a group of sisters, we push each other to be better every day on and off the court. It’s a non-stop belly ache with how much we are always cracking jokes with each other. Lastly, there’s an overflowing sense of support, whether it’s celebrating wins, overcoming losses, navigating life’s challenges, we are all there for each other and that’s something I’ll never forget about this group of girls.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I want to be out west, preferably Colorado. I hope to have a job that I enjoy but also allows for freedom to travel and see the world since there’s so much out there left for me to explore.
Favorite food from Central Market
Taco pizza
Bucket list
Backpacking trip abroad
Paraglide over Lake Lucerne in Switzerland
Hike all Colorados 58 14er’s
Visit every National Park
