Leah Howard
Auburn, N.Y.
Class of 2026
Why did you chose Central?
I chose Central very blindly. I knew nothing about Central, Pella, or Iowa in general. All I knew was that I wanted to run cross country, pole vault, and study kinesiology. As soon as I got here, I immediately knew this was where I was meant to be!
Favorite professor and why?
I love all of my professors; the one that stands out the most is Dr. Sara Shuger-Fox! Dr. Shuger-Fox is not only incredibly knowledgeable, but she makes learning so incredibly easy and fun. Her energetic and charismatic personality brings so much joy, life, and love to her classroom. Dr. Shuger-Fox also cares about her students beyond the classroom! She is always available for help, life advice, or just to talk. Dr. Shuger-Fox always makes time for her students no matter how busy her life is.
You’re majoring in kinesiology because?
I am majoring in kinesiology for two main reasons: I love exercise/movement and I love helping people. I’m not 100% what I am going to do with my degree, but whatever it is, I hope to lead with a kind heart, love for movement, and a great desire to help all people.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
Besides athletics, I have been involved in Kinesiology Club, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Civic Engagement via Central Service Learning, Student Support Services, and Women’s Cross Country Bible Study.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
My go-to musical artists are Riley Green, Megan Moroney, The Jonas Brothers, Jason Schmidt, and any Original Broadway Cast Recording.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Being an athlete at Central has been one of the biggest blessings of my life! Bein an athlete at Central gave me an instant 60 best friends as soon as I got here. 60 best friends that I get to do life with, have fun with, laugh with, cry with, and everything in between. It has also given me the ability to learn how to manage time, be proactive about schoolwork, and has given me the opportunity to travel all over the country.
Favorite thing about being from New York?
Oh my goodness! I love everything about New York! Some of my favorites are the HUGE New York apples, the Buffalo Bills (and the fandom that comes with it! GO BILLS!), Wegmans: the greatest grocery store in the entire world, the Great New York State Fair, and of course the Broadway shows, just to name a few! New York is one of the most unique, diverse, and exciting places in the world, and it is such a blessing to grow up here! It is truly the land of opportunity; anyone can make it anywhere! There are so much hope and joy surrounding the future in New York! I could go on and on forever about New York! If you ever get the opportunity, come and visit, you won’t regret it!
When did you first attempt a pole vault?
The first time I attempted pole vault was November of my Senior year of high school (which is a little late in PV). One of my brother’s cross-country coaches, Chris Mason, recommended that I try pole vault, I was very stubborn and insisted that I was too committed to my gymnastics career. However, I showed up for track and field practice that Monday, fell in love with pole vault, the track and field community, and the confidence that it gave me. To make a long story short, I quit gymnastics and started pole vaulting that day, and it was the greatest decision ever!
If you could live in a tv/book/movie, what would you choose?
This is such a hard question! I love so many shows and movies! I think that the first thing I thought of was Full House! All the personalities, adventures, and life lessons that the Tanner family shared truly shaped generations and are still relevant today.
What do you consider the most important furniture in a house?
The most important piece(s) of furniture in a house is the couch and the kitchen table. These are the places where the most important people in your life can gather, laugh, cry, and create future nostalgia.
Favorite TV Show
My favorite show is constantly changing; I tend to watch the same things over and over again. Right now, my current favorites are Chad Powers and Full House.
What’s it like to work with Coach Aaron Fuller?
He is one of the greatest humans and coaches! Coach Fuller is one of the kindest, most humble, funny, and caring people I have ever met. He creates every movement in practice with a purpose, is incredibly passionate about track and field, and shows great care for his athletes. Coach Fuller cares about us as athletes, but most importantly humans. He cares about our physical health, mental health, academics, families, relationships, and most importantly how we feel about ourselves. Coach Fuller inspires us to set our goals and standards high and to foster a positive community of people who care about and encourage each other. Anyone who has the opportunity to learn from and train with Aaron Fuller should take it; he's the best there is! I’m so beyond grateful that he is my coach!
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central track and field team?
My favorite part about being an athlete on the Central Track and Field team is the community we have. It is not typical to have a team that eats every meal together, goes out of our way to help each other, and to be each other's biggest cheerleaders in life. It is so special to have my teammates also be my closest friends. I also love all the opportunities that we get to compete, no matter where we go. It is the greatest feeling knowing that we get to go out and compete with the Central “C” on our chest and wear it proud.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I hope to be happily married, maybe with a couple of kids, working for a majoring cooperation making a difference, healthy, and incredibly happy. I would hope that I am still running and jumping then too :)
Favorite food from Central Market
Due to some pretty extreme food allergies, I am unable to eat at the Central Market. However, I love going to dinner with my teammates. The dinner table is the place that I believe we have made some of our greatest memories as a team. A time and place where we can be present and learn about each other on a deeper level.
Bucket list
Running all of the major city marathons
Traveling to Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, Africa... Pretty much see the entire world
Work For The Buffalo Bills
Get Married (Preferably to Dalton Kincaid, Jaxson Dart, or Robert Irwin)
Audition For A Movie or Television Show
Attend The Olympics In Some Capacity
See the Northern Lights in Norway
Go To All 50 States
And So Much More!
