Tranquilino spotlighted by the American Rivers Conference
Each week throughout the 2023-24 academic year, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) will feature one men's sport student-athlete and one women's sport student-athlete. The spotlights will be posted every Thursday. Student-athletes are selected by their institution.
Quick Hits
Name: Bella Tranquilino
Institution: Simpson College
Hometown (High School): Bloomfield, Iowa (Davis County)
Year: Junior
Sport: Tennis
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Why did you choose Simpson?
I chose Simpson because the presence has always felt welcoming. My siblings went to college there, so I grew up on campus for over half my life. I knew when I toured there on my own that it was the place I wanted to be and experience college. I was also super drawn to the biology program and professors.
What do you most enjoy about competing at the Division III level in one of the best conferences in the country, the American Rivers Conference?
I enjoy the drive and competitive nature that every individual school has. I think I can speak for all of the team in the conference when I say, "We all want to be here." I never walk into a match knowing my opponent doesn't want to win just as much as I do. The A-R-C conference is known for having some of the most talented, competitive, and passionate athletes across Division III.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite memory was from freshman year at the A-R-C individual tournament. My doubles partner and I had only started playing together a match before the tournament, so we didn't know each other's play style all that well yet. However, at the tournament, we performed really well together. We placed second in our flight of 64 doubles teams. It was one of my most memorable experiences at Simpson thus far.
What is your favorite thing to do when not competing?
When I'm not competing, I try to travel, spend time with friends/family, and read.
What is your career ambition/goal?
I am doing Simpson's 3-1 Nursing program with Mercy. After this academic year, I will start nursing school in the fall of 2024. After nursing school, I plan to nurse for the next three to five years and then apply for PA school with the hopes of becoming a pediatric PA in the future.
What is something not many people know about you?
I didn't plan to come to college and play tennis. I wanted to come strictly for academics. However, playing a college sport was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Encompassing everything with Division III athletics, what else are you involved with at Simpson?
FCA leadership team, Campus fellowship, SAAC, Pre-health Society, TRIO SSS, and intramurals.
When not competing, where can you be found?
I can be found at the library or Carver studying.
What is your top bucket list item?
I want to visit every national park.
Who is your most influential person in your life?
My mom and my brothers.
Flash round. What is your favorite…?
Restaurant? Chipotle
Spot on campus? Buxton Park or Carver
TV show? When They See Us
Movie? Avatar
Holiday? Easter
Place to travel for a game? Decorah (during the fall)
Food? Pesto pasta
Song? Viva la Vida by Coldplay
Sports team? Duke Blue Devils
Professional athlete? Stan Wawrinka
Vacation spot? Colorado
