Central College Athletics

Estella Allen
Newton, Iowa
Class of 2028

Why did you chose Central?

Originally I didn’t even want to visit Central because I thought it was way to close to home and wouldn’t feel as if I had even moved away. Jennie had reached out to me and so I figured I might as well just give it a shot and I immediately knew it was where I wanted to go after my visit. The professors show an immense amount of kindness each day. Everyone on campus is so willing to help with anything you may need. The campus and everyone on it is so welcoming too. It truly does feel like home away from home.
 
Favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor would have to be Jen Diers. She helped me realize how incredible education is. She is so inspiring and encouraging. Each day I looked forward to her class because she made it so casual and she always had a smile on her face.
 
You’re majoring in elementary education because?

I have always enjoyed helping kids learn. At the elementary age they are so curious and want to learn more and more. It brings joy knowing I am going to be able to help students learn one day. I have lots of teachers in my family and they have been people I’ve always looked up to. My grandparents especially made an impact on so many lives and I hope one day I can be just as good of a teacher as they were.
 
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?

I am involved in FCA, Best Buddies, and campus ministries.
 
Who are your go-to musical artists?

My go to music artists would have to be either Forrest frank or Josiah Queen.
 
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life? 

Attending Central has impacted me in so many ways. It has played a significant role in helping me become more independent by pushing me outside of my comfort zone and trying new things. Living away from home for the first time forced me to take more responsibility in my day to day life. I couldn’t be more grateful for this. Through involvement in clubs, campus events, and triathlon, I have gained confidence in making decisions on my own and advocating for myself. Triathlon has also made a huge impact on my life. It has taught me lots of self-discipline, but also that it’s good to try new things!
 
What made you want to try triathlon?
 
I’ve never done a triathlon before our first one in California last fall. I’ve swam my whole life so I figured, how bad could biking and running be? I also knew college was a whole new experience and I wanted to do a sport so why not do something that is a completely new sport to me too. I’m so happy with that decision. The team environment is so welcoming and encouraging. The coaches as well. We all got so close so fast and I was ready for this next season as soon as last season ended. The sport itself is extremely challenging but it pushes me to become a better athlete each day.
 
What is the best vacation you’ve ever gone on?

Best vacation I’ve ever been on would have to be Scotland last summer. It was full of so many new experiences! My favorite parts were touring the castles and feeding the High-land cows!
 
Who was your first celebrity crush?

Definitely Tom Holland. Spider-man fan all the way.
 
What makes you laugh no matter what mode you are in?

My dad. He never fails to make me giggle even when life may feel at its lowest, he always makes sure to bring a smile to my face. He also was blessed with some great humor!
 
Favorite TV Show

Friends!!
 
What’s it like to compete for Coach Hedrick-Rozenberg?

I absolutely love it. She is such an amazing coach. Always up for a good laugh but also makes sure we aren’t slacking in practice. Coach Jennie is so incredibly organized I can’t even explain it. I strive to be as organized as her one day! She never fails to make sure everyone is doing good mentally too in the midst of a busy time. Her cooking is elite. I'm a big fan of our team meals, that's for sure. Not only is she amazing at cooking but also a coach in general. She never fails to encourage us and push us out of our comfort zone. I truly love competing for her and am excited to do so the next three years.
 
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central triathlon? 

My favorite part about being on the Triathlon team has to be the team itself. And the coaches. Never once was there a time where I felt I couldn’t do something because everyone was so encouraging and uplifting. Like I said, the sport isn’t easy, but the team makes it so much more fun. My favorite experience was going to nationals and seeing all the girls do so well. And getting to stay in a Harry Potter room was so cool!
 
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

I hope to be in a classroom of my own. That’s a huge dream of mine and I can’t wait to make it true. I also hope to have maybe ran a half marathon, but we’ll see where that goes…
 
Favorite food from Central Market

The chicken alfredo. So fire.
 
Bucket list

I hope to travel the world more
Get a puppy
Maybe meet Tom Holland
Live on a lake
Run that half marathon