Amber Vroman
Seneca, Ill.
Class of 2025
Why did you chose Central?
I chose Central because my mom attended here for two years and because of attending FCA camp for years before college. I devoted my life to Christ at FCA camp at Central, so it felt like the perfect decision for me to choose Central.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor would have to be Jim Fuller. I had him for multiple classes including both of my practicum experiences. I also had him as a coach for two years for pole vault. He tells several stories throughout his classes and provides his students with powerful insights from his experiences throughout coaching.
You’re majoring in secondary education with endorsements in k-12 PE, health, and coaching because?
I want to be able to impact the lives of students and athletes in the ways that my teacher and college coaches have. Growing up, I had rough experiences with some coaches and I want to be able to be the opposite of what I had for the future generations. My coaches here at Central have been amazing toward me and have helped me grow my passion toward becoming a teacher and coach. Teaching and coaching also runs in my family with my grandpa and my dad, and I want to be able to carry on that tradition.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am involved in FCA and am currently the president of InterVarsity on campus.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
My top band is Casting Crowns by far. I love how Christ-centered their music is and the range of music that they produce. However, on meet days my go-to has to be The Score.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
If I was not at Central, I am not sure I would be vaulting again. I vaulted in high school for a year, but I quit to focus on distance running and was actually recruited to Central for cross country. I loved distance and loved working with Dunham, but I am grateful that Central gave me the opportunity to vault again. My love for the sport was taken away during high school, when I had a coach who did not provide me with many opportunities and had little to no faith in my abilities. Being here at Central, I work with coaches who have more faith in me than I have in myself and who encourage me to challenge myself daily.
What made you first try the pole vault?
I did gymnastics for 10 years and my sister had tried pole vault. As a result I wanted to follow along and try pole vault. I did quit while in high school, but took it up again here at Central. I remember being at cross country one day and looking at the record board and thinking “you know, I could probably get that.” I called my parents that night and told them I wanted to vault again. Turns out, I was right about the record part :)
All-time favorite Christmas gift?
My all-time favorite Christmas gift has to be one of my Garmin watches. This was around the time that I was entering high school and was starting to take my running and athletics more seriously. I went for a run on Christmas Day to try out my new watch!
What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talent would probably be that I played the tuba from 5th grade through my senior year in high school. I can strongly say I was not a fan of marching band and football games throughout high school - my shoulder would be so sore the next day! That instrument is definitely heavy.
Best book you’ve ever read?
This is probably going to be very cheesy - but the Bible. It’s a great story of redemption and love.
Favorite TV Show
If I had to pick one, it would be American Ninja Warrior. I love seeing the woman that are able to compete on this show - most of them have a history of gymnastics, pole vault, or both!
What’s it like to play for Coach Aaron Fuller?
Coach Fuller has been a positive influence on my pole vault career. Last year, he helped me work through coming back from breaking my ankle at the outdoor conference meet. He has helped me get into a great position going into my senior year. He also has worked with me this semester as I have been balancing student teaching and practice. He fully understands the effort that student teaching takes and has been working with me to balance everything.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central track and field?
I really appreciate my teammates. When I broke my ankle at the conference meet my sophomore year, I knew I had teammates who cared about me and who were praying for me. We try out best to encourage everyone on the team. It can be a challenge to feel like a team in track because of all the different events, but I appreciate the effort that we all give at meets to cheer everyone on, regardless of the event.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
10 years from now, I hope to be teaching high school physical education and coaching track and field. I have some applications in right now for next year, but I know that the Lord’s plans are better than my own. I hope to be seeking His will continually and serving Him every day of my life.
Favorite food from Central Market
I haven’t been able to be at the market much this year because of student teaching, but it would probably be orange chicken. Seeing orange chicken on the menu after a long practice always makes my night a little bit better!
Bucket list
I don’t have much of a bucket list, but somewhere that I really want to visit would be the Netherlands. My family heritage is from the Netherlands, and it looks beautiful with all the tulips!
