Central College Athletics
Kristi Klatt
Junior, soccer
(What you won't find on Facebook...even if you are approved as a friend)
Hometown: Cedar Falls, Iowa
High School: Cedar Falls
Why Central?
I decided on Central because both of my parents went to Central as well as my aunt and two or three of my uncles. I actually planned on going to UNI and playing soccer but my dad told me I should at least go down to Central during Private College Week for a visit and I really enjoyed it. I came back during my senior year of high school and did an overnight with the women's soccer team and had an awesome time with the girls. I loved how close the team was. Also, I loved the study abroad opportunity and smaller class sizes.
Your favorite professor and why
I have a few favorites. Of course, I have to say some of the exercise science professors. They are all really helpful and easy to get along with. I enjoy classes with John Roslien (he's also my advisor--so he's been a real big help since I've been at Central). Jodee Schaben and Dave Pavlat are also great teachers/people. I also have to say Russ Goodman! He's a great guy and has always been there for me whether it's school, general life or soccer related. I also really enjoyed Coach Wares' Sports Psychology class. It really got me thinking about how much psychology really plays into sports. I really used a lot of different aspects I learned from that class and tried to incorporate into my everyday sports life.
In your IPod
Actually, the question is, what is on Abby Norman's IPod when I borrow it for warmups and road trips. To be honest, I am without an IPod right now due to leaving it in my sweatshirt and throwing my sweatshirt through the wash. Let me tell you, my mom was real happy when she found that while folding laundry. Anyway, I listen to everything! Rap, rock, country, Christian rock, alternative...but my favorite is acoustic guitar such as John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Jason Reeves and many more. Before games I love to listen to rap or rock--anything that makes me dance and pumps me up!
Favorite Central memory
Hands down, 2007 fall freshman season. We played for each other, no one else. That is how a team wins. You play for every single person on your team and that is what we did. We loved the game and we loved playing with each other. It was a great way to start off my college soccer career.
You're majoring in exercise science-health promotion because...
I love sports and I potentially want to go to grad school for my masters in physical education or something along the lines of leisure services.
Funniest person on the team
Everyone has had their moments. Freshman Regan Jamison has had quite a few random comments that have made the team laugh a lot. We actually have a quote book...and to be honest, her quotes fill up most of the pages. Got to love those freshmen. Caroline Bartko is also on the top of this list. She's usually talking about or reenacting new YouTube videos she discovered that day at practice. She's still trying to get Coach Kuchy to do the "stanky leg." She also loves turtles and tucking. Another freshman, Steph Hasken, has one word to describe her: HILARIOUS. Her randomness and positive attitude are two character traits that I lover about her the most. Anyone would be lucky to have these girls on their team.
The thing that makes soccer such a cool sport
It's fun, of course! I've been playing since I was 5. I can't get enough of it.
The thing you like best about your team
How easy it is for us to laugh. We love having fun and let me tell you, we do a lot of laughing. We have even gotten Coach Kuchy to crack a few smiles as well this season. (Don't get me wrong, he makes a few jokes himself!). As much as this season has been a struggle and frustrating at times, we are all able to be there for one another and to cheer one another up. I guess I hadn't realized until now how blessed I am--and how sad I am now that the season is over and I don't get to see them all every day.
Favorite Central Market food
Ice cream Tuesdays and grilled cheese Wednesdays!
Summer job
I babysat for two families and let me tell you, I think I've learned more about myself this past summer than I have in the past 20 years of my life. OK, a little exaggeration but I sure did learn a lot about kids and myself. I enjoyed it, though! At times I got to remember what it was like to be their age again. I loved it! I would do it again in a heartbeat.
The movie you'll stop to watch when you're channel surfing
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Hoosiers, Field of Dreams, A League of Their Own, oldies but goodies. I bet my dad would say the same. I grew up watching these movies with him.
Person past or present you'd like to have lunch with
God, for sure! I'm excited for what he has in store for my life!
The word or phrase you use too often
"I love basketball!"
Most treasured possession
My baby blanket.
Bucket list
Travel Europe!
Run the Chicago Marathon. I actually competed in my first half-marathon this summer and loved the feeling of accomplishment after I ran it. What a feeling!
Learn how to surf, as well as visit Hawaii.
Ski in Colorado.
Coach girls' soccer.
Swim with dolphins.
Scuba dive.
Bungee jump or sky dive. (I say that now but when I get the opportunity, I might need that extra push).
Get married and have a family.
Find a job that I enjoy.
Graduate school.
TO BE HAPPY!
The reason you're excited about Central soccer in 2010
Senior year! Go big or go home. It's a fresh start. You set the pace for the season right away. I am ready to do big things and knock over any obstacles that step in our way. I'm also excited to see how the off-season playing and lifting will play a part in improving our strength, stamina and skills. Yeah Dutch!