Central College Athletics

Chayse Gilchrist
Fairfield, Iowa
Class of 2027

Why did you choose Central?

I chose Central for a few reasons. First, it’s the perfect distance from my hometown—it allows me to explore, grow, and do my own thing while still being close enough to home. Central also felt like home the first time I visited campus. All of the professors instantly wanted to get to know me both in and out of the classroom. I also loved Central’s Dance Team and immediately knew that everyone on the team would make me feel like I was part of something bigger!

Favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor would have to be Brian Roberts in the Art Department! He is such a character and probably one of the easiest professors to get along with. His class material always challenges you, and he is always willing to make connections to your favorite interests.

For example, he knew I was on the dance team, so when we were working with glass, he explained how the glass has to be at the right temperature in order to blend and connect with other pieces of glass. That process takes time in the furnace. He connected that to how it takes time for the dance team to clean our dances and make them look crisp in order to get the best outcome!

What are you majoring in and why?

I’m majoring in Communication with a minor in Art because I want to work in sports social media and content creation! Being able to understand different communication styles while also having a strong sense of creativity is one of my favorite things about studying Communication.

Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?

On campus, I am currently involved in running the dance team’s social media. I also work within the Athletics Department, creating social media posts and taking photos for Central Athletics.

I am also a part of a new Central group called Central Creatives, which is a group of students on campus who all share a passion for sports media. We come together to help give our athletic teams a great social media presence while also helping each other learn new ways to create and improve our skills!

Who are your go-to musical artists?

My go-to musical artists are probably Taylor Swift or Noah Kahan. Unless it’s a game day or competition day—then I’m listening to Kendrick Lamar and Drake!

How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?

Attending Central and being a part of the Dance Team has allowed me to make so many new connections and relationships. Central has opened doors for me since day one, allowing me to run the Dance Team’s social media, be a part of the ISDTA social media staff, and earn my first internship with a Prospect League baseball team this past summer.
Because of Central and the connections I have made here, I have been able to build my portfolio and begin doing what I love while being supported by some of the best coaches and professors in the world!

All-time favorite Disney movie?

Oooo, this is a hard one! I would have to say Tangled because it reminds me so much of my little sister. Growing up, that movie was constantly playing on our TV!

Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
 
I had to ask Coach Syd, and she said Madelyn Cline from Outer Banks, and I totally agree! She is such a fighter and has lots of passion!

Where is the most relaxing place you’ve ever been?

The most relaxing place I’ve ever been would have to be Boca Raton, Florida!

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever broken?

I don’t know if I would necessarily count this as me breaking something, but I would probably say having 27½ inches of my small intestine removed—if that counts! ??

Favorite TV show?

The Flash or Grey’s Anatomy are definitely two of my all-time favorite TV shows!

What’s it like to compete for Coach Bradford?

Dancing under Coach Syd is an absolute dream! She is such a bright light and has so many amazing ideas. She is always open to trying new things and listening to suggestions. She is incredibly supportive both on and off the dance floor.

My favorite thing about Sydney is her passion—not just for dance, but specifically for the Central College Dance Team. As a Central alum herself, she knows what it takes to not only be a member of CCDT, but also what it takes to be a student here.

Sydney is always fighting for us and pushing us to become the best possible versions of ourselves, both in dance and in the real world.

What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central’s Dance Team?

My favorite part about being a member of the Central College Dance Team is how much of a family we are. From my freshman year until now, my four years on CCDT have given me some of my very best friends—people I truly consider my sisters!

There is something so special about dancing with people who share the same passion as you and all want to be the best. Being surrounded by people who simply love to dance and constantly push each other to improve is one of the best feelings in the world!

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

Ten years from now, I hope to be married, maybe have a kid, and hopefully be working in sports. I would also love to be coaching and/or teaching dance somewhere! I also hope to travel and explore more of the world.

Favorite food from Central Market?

Either the golden, crispy French fries, cheese bread, or my go-to dessert: vanilla ice cream with Fruity Pebbles!

Bucket list?

My bucket list includes attending a Super Bowl where the Philadelphia Eagles win and eventually visiting every NFL stadium!