By Dana Becker
Many variables played into Haley (Rustvold) Meacham's decision to attend Iowa Central.
The Fort Dodge Senior High standout wanted to continue her softball career, and found a second home with the Tritons. Along the way, though, Meacham found herself experiencing the time of her life.
"I chose Iowa Central right after FDSH because I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to major in for school but also loved the Triton softball program," she said. "Softball was a big part of my decision with choosing Iowa Central. I am so happy I chose Iowa Central. It truly was the best two years of my life. I also lived on campus which made it so much better. It was such a wonderful experience and the campus was beautiful. I met my forever friends there, my instructors were great and helpful, my coaches and teammates were everything I could have asked for and my mom worked there so it was so fun to see her most every day!
"I highly recommend anyone to attend Iowa Central. Most of my favorite college memories come from there! It was the best!"
Meacham would go on to attend Morningside, continuing to play softball. She graduated in 2016 with a degree in Mass Communications.
"College definitely prepares you for the next big step in your life - Iowa Central did exactly that for me," she said. "Though I was the ages 19 and 20 during those years, playing softball, going to class on time and having a schedule each day really got me prepared for what I'm doing today. It was a huge transition from high school to college, but college was so great because it made me become more responsible and it let me explore new things on my own. That was such a fun but also scary feeling during that time. My advisors and instructors made my experience at Iowa Central the best. They were so kind and helpful, always there for you. I loved them so much! That's what truly got me prepared for the real world - people helping you along the way."
That 'real world' started at KITV Channel 4 in Sioux City as an intern during her senior year. Meacham moved into the news department as a news photographer shortly after graduation and helped the news team develop stories until shifting into a Commerical Producer role in the Creative Services Department at the station for several years, featuring on-screen work for Siouxland CW as "the CW girl, which was a fun gig."
"Working in the TV industry for the first three years out of college was such a great experience," she said. "I met some amazing people that are my friends to this day. I will always have a love for video and photography - I learned so much during that time. KTIV was so good to me, but something inside of me felt like there was something else waiting for me."
Earlier this year, Meacham became the Director of the Miracle League of Sioux City.
"The Miracle League of Sioux City is an organization that provides recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities," she said. "I have been working for the miracle league since February. I have always loved sports and being able to work with people. I will be in charge of running the baseball leagues, creating events for our athletes, fundraisers and building and growing our organization. I am very excited to take on this new chapter of my life! Our spring season got canceled due to COVID-19 so it's been an interesting start but hoping we can get our fall league in this year.
"I am very excited to meet and get to know our amazing athletes. I am beyond excited to see where this new career path takes me and very thankful for new opportunities."
