Central women's track and field team returns with eyes on the national meet

The Dutch return five seniors but bring in 20 freshmen

by Peter Leithauser

Pella, IA (01/15/2025) — After graduating the best senior class in coach Brandon Sturman's tenure, the Central College women's track and field team returns for the 2025 season.

"Our women's team is a little smaller after graduating last year's senior class, so we have some big shoes to fill," Sturman said. "We have some depth in certain areas and hopefully we can step up and get better throughout the season. We may not have the numbers, but we have the talent to compete in the conference."

The team only returns five seniors to lead the way. Meanwhile it returns 15 juniors and 10 sophomores, while adding 20 freshmen.

The Dutch return six runners from last year's Division III Outdoor National Championship meet being led by Addison Parrott (senior, Danville) who was a first-team All-American in the 3,000-meter steeplechase finishing seventh overall. Peyton Steffan (junior, Marion) also returns to lead the women's distance team after finishing ninth in the country in the 1500-meter run. Both also qualified for the Division III Cross Country Championships and look to continue that success onto the track.

"Our distance is a strength of the team this year," said Sturman. "Steffen has the chance to break some of the school records this year, so we have high hopes for her. Parrott's goal is to return to the national meet as an individual. These two have high expectations but it has been fun to watch them so far."

Also helping the distance runners, the Dutch welcome transfer Teah Miller (sophomore, Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden) to add depth for relays.

Another strength of this team is the long sprints. Led by Lizzy Van Utrecht (sophomore, Ottumwa, Eddyville-Blakesburg HS), Ava Parkins (sophomore, Monmouth, Ill., Burlington Notre Dame HS), Emily McMartin (junior, Pella). These runners qualified for the national meet last season in a relay.

"We will rely on these three a lot to lead the sprints group," Sturman said.

The final national qualifier returning is Olivia Bohlen (junior, Belle Plaine) in the heptathlon. She finished in 12th place to earn second team All-American accolades.

"Bohlen hit some pretty good marks early in the season at the multis competition," Sturman said. "She hit some personal bests, but we still have some progress to make it to the national level. We will also rely on her to lead our team in the hurdles."

A key returner in a field event is Amber Vroman (senior, Seneca, Ill.) in the pole vault. In the early indoor meet, she broke her own school record with a clearance of 11-3.75.

The throws group the squad will rely on senior Kira Baldus (senior, St. Ansgar) who succeeds in the weight throw, while also having three freshman help provide depth.

The Dutch have already had some early indoor meets, but next on the schedule is when they host the Dutch Athletics Classic, Friday at noon in the H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse. The indoor season will continue through the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships on March 15th. The outdoor season starts on March 27th before the team hosts the Central Invitational on March 29th in Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium.

Amber

Vroman