Junior
Knoxville, Iowa
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central, because on my first visit, Central instantly felt like a second home. The students and professors were super friendly, and no other school that I visited gave me the same feeling. Central also has an excellent placement rate into pre-health graduate programs, which is a big plus for me as a future eye doctor. Lastly, I liked the atmosphere of a smaller school where I would be able to play tennis and develop great relationships with my professors.
Favorite professor and why?
Dr. Goodman, because we have the best chats about life. He has only taught one class for me, but I always feel welcome in his office whenever something is on my mind or just to catch up.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
My go-to musical artists are Pentatonix (I own all of their Christmas albums), Thomas Rhett, and Pink.
You’re majoring in biology because…
I am majoring in biology, because I love learning about the human body. I knew from the time I was about 10 that I wanted to be some type of doctor, so biology was a great fit for me.
Place you would most like to visit.
I would most like to visit Greece or Hawaii.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
I watched my friend slip on a patch of ice and almost faceplant. While I was laughing at her, I forgot to watch where I was going, so I almost slipped and fell on the same patch of ice. This is what I call karma.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a coach
The best advice I’ve ever received from a coach is to “Keep Fighting”. It doesn’t matter if you are winning by a little or losing by a lot, as long as you keep fighting anything is possible. This advice stuck with me, because it is relevant in every aspect of my life not just tennis.
If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
I would be Frosted Mini Wheats, because I would be somewhat healthy while also still being covered in a layer of yummy frosting.
If you could win the lottery, what's the first thing you would do?
I would push the pause button on real life (esp. work) to travel around the world. I also love Chaco sandals, so I would buy 5+ more pairs.
Any good nicknames?
My dad calls me Sami-o.
Favorite TV Show
NCIS. I have never missed an episode!
What’s one thing people might not know about Coach Ferrell?
One thing people might not know about Coach Ferrell is that he enjoys singing and dancing. We play music during practice, and I occasionally hear him singing along to the songs. He is an excellent singer, but his dance moves could use some work.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central Tennis?
My favorite part about being a member of Central College Tennis is the friendships I have made on this team. I amazed by how hard my teammates work during practice as well as in the classroom, and they are constantly inspiring me to be a better person, teammate, and friend.
“Ten years from now I’ll...”
Ten years from now I will be working as an optometrist hopefully at my own practice. I also plan to live in the mountains with my two Bernese Mountain Dogs, and in my spare time, I want to travel to all of the national parks in the United States.
Favorite food from Central Market
Wrap Bar! It’s the best dinner of the week.
Bucket list
1. Go on an African Safari
2. Return to Wales
3. Move to the mountains
4. Go to a Grand Slam Tennis Tournament
5. See the Northern Lights
