Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the spring season, the Upper Iowa Athletics Department is spending the next few months spotlighting many of our Peacock student-athletes whose spring seasons came to a premature end. 

In today's virtual interview, Pete the Peacock gets to know UIU women's track & field runner Serianna Dehmlow. Serianna is a junior from Huntley, Illinois who came to Fayette three years ago from Huntley High School. She is majoring in communication studies with a focus in mass media.

PETE: How would you describe yourself in three words?    
SERIANNA: Strong, passionate, and kind.

PETE: What have you learned about what it takes to be a student-athlete?    
SERIANNA: I have learned the responsibilities of being a student-athlete including being involved in the community, joining clubs (such as P.E.E.P.S., Athlete Peer Mentor, Student Philanthropy Council, Fayette Lions Club), making new friends, and knowing how important academics are.

PETE: What is your favorite way to de-stress?    
SERIANNA: Puppy therapy because it helps me to take a break from my schoolwork.

PETE: What advice would you give to your 14-year old self?    
SERIANNA: To make new friends, keep being involved in extracurricular activities, stay out of trouble, and never give up on your dreams.

PETE: What is something most people don't know about you?    
SERIANNA: I have run over 20 miles a few times.

PETE: What is your favorite thing about your hometown?    
SERIANNA: I could wake up between 4:15-4:30 in the morning to get my runs in, and lift at my neighbor's gym.

PETE: What is your favorite thing about Fayette?    
SERIANNA: I can walk everywhere ... to the nursing home to volunteer, to the Fayette community library, and even to church.

PETE: How do you want to be remembered?    
SERIANNA: I would like to be remembered for everything I do for Upper Iowa University, including my academic and athletic achievements, involvement within the community (volunteering at the nursing home, Fayette Community Library and Church, Fayette Lions Club, Student Philanthropy Council), and my love for Upper Iowa University as a whole.

PETE: What are the top three things on your bucket list?    
SERIANNA: To be a film actor, live somewhere warm (Florida, California, etc.), and be a Cross Fit athlete.

PETE: What is your dream job if money wasn't a factor? Why?    
SERIANNA: A film actor because my uncle is an actor in the Chicago area. He has been in various commercials and TV shows including a GEICO Commercial.

PETE: Who are three people (dead or alive) you'd love to have dinner with? Why?    
SERIANNA: My Grandmother, my Aunt Lynette, and my Uncle Mark because they are a few of the funniest people I know and love.

PETE: What is your most memorable sports moment?    
SERIANNA: One year on my birthday, I ran in both a 10K, in which I broke a record and a 5K.

PETE: What fictional character (movie, TV show, book, cartoon, etc.) would you want to be for a day? Why?    
SERIANNA: The Incredible Hulk because he is muscular and can carry heavy objects.

PETE: Do you have any collections? If so, what?    
SERIANNA: Yes, I have a collection of stuffed animals because I love all animals in the animal kingdom.

PETE: Do you believe in aliens or ghosts? If yes, why?    
SERIANNA: Yes, but only ghosts though because it could be a loved one visiting me in my dreams one night.

PETE: What is your dream vacation spot? Why? What would you want to do there?    
SERIANNA: The Bahamas because it always has hot, sunny, and warm weather. I don't like to sit around in the Winter.

PETE: What piece of clothing do you wear the most?    
SERIANNA: Casual items; flannel shirts, jeggings, socks, and any type of shoes.

PETE: If you were president for a day, what would you change?    
SERIANNA: I would make homework on Fridays illegal at all elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

PETE: What is your favorite restaurant in the world? What do you order?    
SERIANNA: The Copper Barrel, I order lobster ravioli and chocolate milk.

PETE: What does your dream life after retirement look like?    
SERIANNA: To go to the Bahamas and build an enormous, luxurious mansion.

PETE: What is your favorite non-sport hobby?    
SERIANNA: Making acting videos and playing the Wii.

PETE: What are three things you cannot live without? Why?    
SERIANNA: Water, food, and money because without those three things, I wouldn't be able to survive.

PETE: What is one cause that you hold dear to your heart? Why?    
SERIANNA: The ASPCA because of my love for animals, especially dogs and cats.

PETE: What would you bring on a one-way trip to Mars?    
SERIANNA: Everything I have ever possessed throughout my life, including my stuffed animals, my iPhone, and many other important items.

PETE: Do you have a secret talent?    
SERIANNA: I have many secret talents, I even taught myself how to play the piano.

Special thanks to Serianna Dehmlow for taking the time to chat with Pete! To view previous virtual interviews, please click here.