Why did you choose Central?
Central was only the second college I had toured, but I instantly knew it was where I wanted to go. Coming from a small high school, I knew a big school with huge classes wouldn’t be for me, so I instantly fell in love with the small campus and loved the idea of small class sizes and the ability to get to know the professors and other students well. Central also gave me the opportunity to continue to do all of the things I love on campus, rather than only one.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Stephen Fyfe. I have had him for several classes in the past few years, and while they are usually quite challenging classes for me, he always cares a lot and is very willing to answer any and all questions that he can in order to help.
You’re majoring in Math and Computer Science because?
I have always loved problem solving, and both of my majors require a great deal of that. I also just enjoy working with numbers and data, and hope to work in a job that deals greatly with data, specifically spatial data after graduation.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am also a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the jazz ensemble, the Dutch Boom Drumline, and I have been involved in several theatre productions, both on stage and in the orchestra.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I listen to such a wide variety of music it’s hard to name just a few, but if I had to, it would likely be “Weird Al” Yankovic or Michael Jackson. I always love music that is entertaining and fun to listen to, so Weird Al’s parodies and creativity have always appealed to me, as well as Michael Jackson’s wide range of music styles and his incredible stage performances, in both dance and music.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
When I originally decided to come to Central, I hadn’t considered continuing high jump as an option. I decided to jump late in my senior year of high school, and I couldn’t imagine my life any other way. It has taught me many important lessons about commitment and discipline, as well as giving me a chance to meet so many new people.
If you could live in a Disney movie, which one would you choose?
If I could live in any Disney movie, I would have to say the universe of the 2011 Muppet movie. I absolutely love the Muppets, and the world the movie is set in is basically the same as ours, but the Muppets are all real celebrities, which I think would be awesome and easy to adjust to. Plus, you can travel very quickly, by map.
Favorite Central memory so far?
I have so many memories from my time at Central that it’s hard to even remember them all, but one of my favorite recent memories is having the opportunity to travel with our mascot, Big Red, when he ran in the Drake Relays mascot race last year.
Favorite vacation of your life?
I’ve been to so many amazing places I can’t pick just one favorite, but one of my favorite vacations I’ve been on was my recent family vacation to Las Vegas for my parents’ wedding anniversary. They had a vow renewal ceremony in an Elvis themed wedding chapel, which was fun to watch, and I got to spend a lot of quality time with my younger brothers seeing all the sights.
The one food you could eat over and over and never get tired of?
One food I could eat over and over would definitely be the corn casserole my mom makes.
Favorite TV Show?
I’m not sure I have a favorite TV show, but when I choose one to go back and rewatch, it’s usually “Full House” or “The Muppet Show”.
What’s it like to compete for Coach Jim Fuller?
I love competing for Coach Fuller. He genuinely cares about each and every one of his athletes individually while also striving to create a family-like atmosphere throughout the workout group. He is also always our biggest supporter, especially when competing- you won’t see anyone more excited when you hit a new PR at a meet than him.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central women’s track and field team?
My favorite part of being a member of the Central track and field team is the lifelong friends I have made, as well as simply being given the opportunity to compete at the college level, which is not something many people get to do.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
10 years from now, I hope to be working a job I enjoy and have a family of my own, as well as to still be jumping at the Iowa Games every summer.
Favorite food from Central Market
The cilantro lime rice by far!
Bucket list
1. Travel out of the country (ideally to New Zealand)
2. Perform in a ballet
3. Meet Weird Al
