Madie Holle
Oskaloosa, Iowa
Class of 2023
Why did you chose Central?
I chose central because, being from Osky, it was close to home and I grew up visiting Pella. I also knew that Central would give me the opportunity to get a great education where the professors really care about you as well as continue to play tennis.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is probably Dr. Dunne. He is my research advisor so we work together on my research project. He makes the work really enjoyable and teaches me something new every day. He listens and understands my goals and shapes my research to conform to what I want to learn and what I want to get out of it.
You’re majoring in Chemistry because?
I’m majoring in chemistry because I have always really enjoyed the science fields and chemistry gives me the opportunity to work in a lab and problem solve. Central really gives me a lot of opportunities to get into a lab and gain technical skills
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
When I’m not at practice, I’m involved in FCA. I also TA for a chemistry lab.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Right now I’m really into Mitchell Tenpenny’s music. But I’m also always down to listen to anything by Morgan Wallen or Blake Shelton.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Playing a sport at Central has given me some very important life skills. It has helped me learn time management, better communication, and responsibility. It has also given me the opportunity to meet so many people from different walks of life and has given me some of my best friends.
Favorite road trip you’ve ever gone on? (personal or with Central)
When I was in high school, I went a mission trip with my youth group to the YMCA of the Rockies in Colorado. I got to spend the road trip with some of my closest friends as well as my dad. We watched a ton of movies, played road trip games, and had some great conversations. It was really fun to see all the scenery (Except in Nebraska) as we drove through the different states and once we got to Colorado, the mountains and views were really beautiful.
Biggest pet peeves?
- Being late
- Interrupting/Talking over people
If you woke up invisible, what would be the first thing you would do?
If I woke up invisible, the first thing I would do is plan all of the pranks I’m going to play on people. Then the second thing I would do is get my friends in on the pranks and put them into action.
What song would you sing for an American Idol audition?
Probably “YMCA.” The lyrics are easy to remember, which is important because I have an awful memory, and there are also dance moves. I want the judges to think I’m well rounded and can dance as well as sing.
Favorite TV Show
My favorite show is definitely “Survivor.” When I was growing up, my family would get together every Wednesday night with pizza and watch Survivor. Even now, when all of my siblings and I have moved out of the house, we all watch it on our own and when we get together we always talk about who our favorite and least favorite players are and discuss strategy.
What’s it like to play for Coach Ferrell?
Coach Ferrell makes playing tennis really fun! He has great energy when he comes to practice and that always makes me want to work harder. He is also always willing to have meetings with you when you have a problem, either with tennis or school, or even just to have a conversation.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central tennis?
Definitely my teammates. Central tennis has brought me some of my closest friends. They make it so easy and fun to show up to practice every day and I know if I ever need someone to talk to I can count on them.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I hope to have graduated with my doctorate in a chemistry field and have started a stable job in a chemistry lab. I also hope to be living comfortably and starting a family with lots of pets.
Favorite food from Central Market
- CTO Quesadillas
- Fruit Pizza
Bucket list
- Swim with sharks
- Watch all four of the grand slam tennis tournaments
- Ride in a hot air balloon
