Summer 2025 Issue

Guiding Central athletics into the future, Vice President for Athletics Eric Van Kley is committed to ensuring student-athletes excel on and off the field.

At Central College, we boast a rich tradition of excellence and a legacy of winning that spans generations. Our heritage in athletics is not based solely on victories, though; it’s about the unwavering commitment to push boundaries, strive for greatness and embody the true spirit of the Central Dutch. Here, wearing the Central C on your uniform is not just an honor, it is a testament to the dedication, grit and strength that define our student-athletes.

When you think of Central and the future of the institution, athletics is in the mix somewhere – just as it always has been. Lest we forget, this is the place where President Emeritus Ken Weller coined the term “student-athlete” and penned the NCAA Division III philosophy.

And, while athletics is not the direct focus of our World of Good campaign, it is a component. With a student body made up of 60% student-athletes, it must be.

How Does Central Athletics Do A World of Good?

“As much as anything, the athletics component of the campaign is making sure we’re current in today’s environment, but also remembering our roots,” says Eric Van Kley, vice president for athletics. “Dr. Weller viewed athletics as an extension of the classroom — just as transformative as conducting research with faculty or gaining career-ready skills through an internship.”

A lot of things have changed in the world since then. The mission of Central athletics has not.

“Our goal across campus, and within Central athletics, is to make a positive impact on every young person we serve,” Van Kley expresses. “That ‘Jane Smith’ is a better, friend, mom, wife, employee and a better person in the world, and her athletics experience at Central is a part of that.”

“Our softball team’s recent international trip is a great example of the impact of Central athletics. It wasn’t just about competing — it included meaningful service that left a lasting impression,” he says. “Similarly, the wrestling team’s journey to Ireland and Wales connected them with Central’s global community, reinforcing the deep bonds that make Central feel like family.”

“We recruit incredible students and among them are student-athletes who do amazing things outside of the weight room, gym and field,” Van Kley says. “Yes, we love when we win games and earn conference, regional and national accolades, but we love it even more when we have a football player nominated to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, a runner awarded grant funds for research or a decorated golfer who played in the orchestra that accompanied The Eagles in concert. The examples could go on and on.”

What Are We Funding?

“Over the course of the last year, we’ve pivoted to concentrate on our outdoor spaces, which is a great focus for the portion of the campaign based in athletics,” Van Kley says.

During the 2024 calendar year, the college installed a new football turf and video board the Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium as well as new tennis and pickleball courts as part of the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex. All funded by donors.

“The football field was at the end of its life following the 2023 football season,” Van Kley explains. “As for the video board, we don’t know what we would have done come Fall 2024 if it hadn’t been replaced. Same for the tennis — now tennis and pickleball — courts.”

“We do all we can to maintain our facilities, but nothing lasts forever, especially when it lives outdoors,” he adds. “And as an institution, we have to make sure we’re staying relevant in the prospective student market, remaining competitive in our conference and nationally as well as keeping our student-athletes and visitors safe.”

“This campaign is positive for Central College and beyond,” Van Kley states. “The updates we had in 2024 are big wins. And all those spaces are not only enjoyed by Central and our students, but also by our greater community of Pella. We hope to keep the momentum going throughout the rest of the campaign.”

Your gift to Forever Dutch supports needs like:

• Facilities upgrades for softball.
• A hitting center for men’s and women’s golf.
• Infield turf for baseball.
• Outdoor track resurfacing.
• Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium renovations.
• Technology and infrastructure.
• Lights for baseball, soccer and softball fields.

The list doesn’t end there, though. And naming opportunities are available.

“It’s robust,” Van Kley admits. “We’re touching a lot of our programs with these changes; however, it’s important to note why things like lights are a big deal for soccer. Not only can we use them — offering potential for more and different practice and game times — but then, you have three season usage in a community that’s hungry for athletics facilities and equipped to host travel teams, tournaments, camps and more. The same is true across these projects. Everything we’re hoping to accomplish is broad-based so that we can help the greater good.”

Athletics is the front porch of any institution, including Central.

“There are people whose first or only time they see Central is when they come to an athletics event,” he shares. “So, we want to be the front porch that showcases all Central has to offer in a thoughtful manner that reflects the institution’s goals and ambitions. We want to open the door, invite visitors in and bring them into the Central family.”

Why Should Someone Invest in Central Athletics?

“Central Dutch athletics is about far more than competition,” Van Kley affirms. “It’s about shaping well-rounded, resilient leaders, forging lifelong relationships and preparing students for success well beyond the playing field.”

And what makes Central athletics truly special is the impact it has on student-athletes’ lives.

“Investing in Central athletics means investing in young people — like Jaime Miranda ’17, who arrived at Central facing immense personal challenges,” Van Kley shares. “With the unwavering support of the Central family, Jaime’s journey took him from homelessness to the Marines, to earning a Ph.D. He now works with at-risk youth as an Upward Bound advisor here at Central and is an assistant women’s wrestling coach. His story is just one of many that exemplify how Central changes lives.”

The Central experience prepares students to make a positive impact in the world, whether in an operating room, a classroom or a corporate office.

“For nearly 175 years, Central has stayed true to its vision,” he says. “Athletics here isn’t just about the next game — it’s about lifelong friendships, valuable lessons and a community that continues to support its own long after graduation. It’s why, when Central alumni gather for weddings or reunions, they proudly stand together as teammates, classmates and family. At Central, it just matters.”

What Else Should Readers Know?

“Everyone’s effort counts,” Van Kley affirms. “In this campaign, and in any given year, there’s no gift too big and certainly no gift too small. Every gift makes a difference. We need everybody in the Central family, to step up and do what they can.”

“Our alumni, parents, donors and friends would say they had a life-changing experience at, or because of, Central,” he remarks. “I’m simply asking our people to pay it forward. Central is doing the same thing we did when you were here. The difference? We have students who need help — and who need Central — now more than ever. So, we’re asking you to pay that same life-changing experience forward to the next generation.”

Athletics Updates

CHEER AND DANCE: Central won its third straight title at the American Rivers Conference Championships, sweeping the jazz, pom and hip-hop divisions. The cheer team also took first with its gameday routine.

CROSS COUNTRY: Central’s women’s team was second at the American Rivers Conference Championships with the men placing fourth. Addison Parrott ’25 and Peyton Steffen ’26 from the women’s team and Derek Webster ’25 from the men’s program qualified for the national meet.

FOOTBALL: The Dutch went 8-2 and had the No. 1 rated scoring defense in Division III. Long snapper Josh Dennison ’25 was picked as first team All-American by the Associated Press, while linebacker Reid Pakkebier ’25 and cornerback Gavin Smith ’26 were second team selections.

WOMEN’S GOLF: Central finished second at the American Rivers Conference Championships, led by Allie Pfantz ’28 who finished second overall and received the conference’s Rookie of the Year award.

SOCCER: The Dutch men advanced to the league tournament semifinal by winning at Loras College 3-0 — the program’s first win at the Rock Bowl. The women’s team also made the semifinals of the A-R-C tournament, led by Grace Coates ’25 who was first team all-conference and third team all-region.

WOMEN’S TENNIS: Central finished its regular season 7-5 and 5-3 in American Rivers matches, placing third. Jenna Mitsuko Mahoney ’26, Madi Whalen ’26 and Lauren Gano ’27 were cited as honorable mention all-conference.

TRIATHLON: Central finished third among Division III teams at the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships. Adeline Koritz ’28 finished 10th and earned second team All-American honors. Coach Jennie Hedrick-Rozenberg ’06 was named the Division III Coach of the Year.

VOLLEYBALL: Central had its best finish in the American Rivers Conference since 2010, tying for third place. The 20-9 record gives the program back-to-back 20+ win seasons for the first time since 2010 and 2011.

For an up-to-date schedule of all sports, visit athletics.central.edu/calendar.