Central College Athletics

Will Henricksen
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Class of 2025

Why did you choose Central?
 
After wrapping up community college, I was looking for a place to play ball and get a four year degree. I had connections with some guys at Central, specifically Kole Tupa and Coach Riordan. During my visit, they made Central feel like home.
 
Favorite professor and why?
 
Professor Stavros Papakonstantinidis as well as Mary Donato. They are super down to earth and are real with you! I have really enjoyed my time in their classrooms because of their interesting perspectives along with their sense of humor.
 
You’re majoring in communication and business management because?
 
Communication & Business Management because I intend to keep working at Corda Credit Union initially after college. My manager & co-workers are the best! I have an interest in mortgage loans specifically.
 
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
 
Student Athlete Advisory Council & Carrie Underwood Sunday Night Football theme song Fan Club
 
Who are your go-to musical artists?
 
Nelly, Sean Stemaly, Jason Aldean.
 
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
 
It's about making the choice to grow from the highs and lows life has given me. Last year, breaking my leg halfway through the season was absolutely heartbreaking. I couldn't be more thankful for everyone who helped me through a very challenging time. Especially to our men’s basketball athletic trainer, Sadie Brown. It really meant the world to me. My teammates are everything to me and have made my time here special.
 
 Tell us about being in Boston for the NBA Finals last year

( I'd have loved to go to the finals! I was at Round 2, Game 5 in Boston against Cleveland. a little cheaper than the finals. haha. )
 
Tell us about being in Boston for the NBA Playoffs last year

Watching the Celtics made me fall in love with basketball as a kid. Going to TD Garden was a day I'll never forget. Although this is boring, my little party trick is that I can tell you the result of any Celtics playoff game going back to 2011, along with a little fun fact about each game.
 
Favorite superhero?
 
I’m going to say my dog Winter is my superhero. I don't have enough words to say how much she means to me!
 
Teammate who needs his own season of the Bachelor
 
Kaleb Brand is so smooth his life in itself is a season of the Bachelor. I'd pay a good dollar to see Josh Van Gorp flirt. Although he’d probably end up leaving the show early to play with his four wheeler. Can’t blame him for that!
 
What is your favorite quote/saying and why do you like it?
 
"The ultimate test of faith is not how loudly one displays it. But rather where one stands in moments of chaos."
 I rely heavily on my personal faith so that I can be in service to others in the best possible frame of mind!
 
Favorite TV Show
 
Friends
 
What’s it like to play for Coach Steinkamp?
 
Playing for Coach Steinkamp is a pleasure. He cares about us as people first and truly makes an effort to get to know us. Really unique. I've enjoyed my time with him as well as Coach Riordan. Obviously great basketball minds. They give us confidence to be the best we can be. I’ll cherish my relationship with them even after my time at Central comes to an end.
 
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central Basketball?
 
My teammates. I feel like I have a connection with each and every guy on our team, past and present. I love the pranks we play on one another and our friendly banter. It's all love. Few things in life beat being part of a team.
 
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
 
Living in a warm climate! (Not that I don't love Iowa!) Career wise, I'm interested in the mortgage loan industry. I'd love to also be involved in sports helping kids be the best they can be. Both physically and mentally.
 
 Favorite food from Central Market
 
Fresh Cookie Tuesday
 
Bucket list
 
Attend an SEC Football Game
Be an extra in a movie
Learn how to surf