Claire Smock
Pella, Iowa
Class of 2029
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because it allowed me to be well-rounded in multiple areas. Central doesn't limit students to competing in just one sport or being involved in just one club. My freshman year, I was able to compete on both the tennis and soccer teams, which was a huge draw for me.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Rocha. She teaches two math courses for Education majors. She has taken the time over the past year to get to know each and every one of her students on a personal level. She realizes that we have lives outside of being college students and always has our best interests in mind.
You’re majoring in elementary education because?
I love seeing the lightbulb go off for young learners. As a teacher, you play such a fundamental role in who your students become. I know that being an educator is not an easy job, but it is a position that can have a big impact on students’ lives.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am involved in CTA! Each week I get the opportunity to help out in a second-grade classroom in the Pella community. I will be paired with my mentor teacher until I graduate from Central!
Who are your go-to musical artists?
My first go-to artist is Noah Kahan. I first discovered his music in 2019 when he released his Busyhead album. I have seen him in concert, and over half of my playlist is his songs.
I am also a fan of EDM or House Music. My dad first played Calvin Harris, Avicii, and Galantis songs for me in kindergarten.
At home, not a day goes by that some Hawaiian or Reggae music plays through the house. My go-to artists of that genre are Kolohe Kai, Maoli, or SOJA.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
I was taught the importance of having good time management skills from a young age as I always had a busy schedule, but being a student-athlete at the collegiate level has reinforced that idea even more. Through this, I have also learned the importance of building good and communicative relationships with those involved in your day-to-day life. Having teammates/friends who may also be in the same boat as you helps build an even better, more supportive team culture overall.
Most underrated place to go in Pella?
The most underrated place to go in Pella is Yamato Japanese Steakhouse.
Teammate who you’d choose to go on The Amazing Race with you?
I would choose to go on The Amazing Race with Emily Blom. Winning a state championship together in high school as doubles partners, I feel as though competing in the Amazing Race together would be a breeze.
Favorite TV Show
My favorite TV show is Survivor. My family has watched every season together since I can remember.
What’s it like to compete for Coach Ferrell?
I have known Coach Ferrell since my middle school years, when he ran high school tennis clinics in the summer. As a result, he has been influencing my tennis game for many years. However, it was not until I decided that I wanted to play tennis at the college level that he played a larger role in my tennis journey. The first thing that I quickly learned about Ferrell as a head coach is that he cares more about us as humans rather than as his players. With such a small team, he was able to get to know all of us on a personal level and continues to pour into each of us every practice and meeting.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central’s women’s tennis team?
My favorite part about being a member of the women’s tennis team at Central is the close-knit nature of our team. We are truly each other's biggest supporters. I have never been a part of a team of more down-to-earth girls than this team. They are all a big blessing to me!
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
In ten years from now, I hope to be teaching somewhere at the first or second grade level. I do not have a preference for where I would like my placement to be; however, moving to Hawaii to live with some family while getting the first few years of teaching under my belt does not sound like a bad idea.
Favorite food from Central Market
Sami Anderson's homemade quesadillas.
Bucket list
Study Abroad in London - Skydive - Live in Hawaii for a few years - Get a Newfoundland dog
