Kyra Cordes
Marion, Iowa
Class of 2029
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because I wanted to continue running in college, and Coach Dunham really believed in me and my abilities from the beginning. Having a coach who saw so much potential in me made it really easy to choose Central and know that he was the coach I wanted to run for.
Favorite professor and why?
Professor Valster because she genuinely cares about her students and was always willing to work with my busy schedule when I had to miss class or leave for running.
You’re majoring in kinesiology because?
I’ve known from a young age that I wanted a career where I could help people and make a difference in their lives.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I’m also involved in the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Most people on my team know I’m a HUGE Drake fan. I went to his concert in 2024, and I still consider it one of the best nights of my life. But what a lot of people may not know is that I also love Twenty-One Pilots. My dad introduced me to their music when I was in middle school, and I’ve loved them ever since.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Attending Central and being an athlete has helped me grow so much as both a person and an athlete. It has taught me a lot about discipline and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. Most importantly, my team has become a second family and has given me some of my best friends and memories.
Run along the beach or run in the mountains?
This is a hard question. If I run in the mountains, I’m stuck not being able to breathe, but if I run on the sand, I’m rolling my ankles left and right. After running all these hills in Pella, I’d have to choose the mountains.
Teammate who has a hidden talent that you think the world should know about
Addison Dabroski’s hidden talent is being able to lose literally anything.
What’s the first thing you buy if you won a million dollars?
I’d probably buy a new car since my Toyota Camry decides to fall apart every few months. And then I’d buy food for me and my roommate, Ella Sheeley, because somehow we eat everything we buy for our dorm within two days.
Favorite professional athlete?
Michael Jordan. The GOAT. No explanation needed.
Favorite TV Show
Modern Family. I love it because it’s one of those shows I can watch over and over again and it never gets old. No matter how many times I’ve seen an episode, it still makes me laugh.
What's it like to compete for Coach Dunham?
What stands out most about competing for Coach Dunham is that I can always be myself around him. He pushes me to be the best version of myself, but at the same time, we can be hitting the 67 right before I race. He genuinely cares about and listens to every one of his athletes, and he always lets me be my outgoing, fun self no matter where we are. I think that balance is what makes competing for him so special.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central’s women’s cross country team?
My favorite part is definitely the teammates and friendships I’ve made. It’s really special getting to do the sport I love every day with some of my best friends. They make the hard practices, long runs, race days, and everything in between so much more fun.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I hope to have a career I love, a family of my own, and still be running in some way. And of course, I hope Ella and I are still just as close as we are now.
Favorite food from Central Market
Definitely the popcorn chicken sundae, but the dessert pizza is a very close second.
Bucket list
Best believe I’m going to another Drake concert. I also want to run a marathon someday and, of course, become a natty champ just like Jack Brown.
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