AJ Wilkins
Grinnell, Iowa
Class of 2025
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central after my first year and a half of college. Central was a great fit for my education and my athletics. Central was closer to home and it is really important to me to be close to my family. It was an easy choice once I realized the previous college I attended was not for me.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Shelli Green from the Kinesiology department. I like her because she is tough and makes you do the work. She is helpful when you are struggling in her classes. I can safely say through 2 years of college that my class with her has been by far my favorite. Lastly, she is understanding and cooperative when it comes to missing class because of sports.
You’re majoring in kinesiology and biology because?
I am planning on majoring in Kinesiology and Biology because I want to be a physical therapist. Both Kinesiology and Biology give me a great background of how the human body works which is beneficial when wanting to become a PT. I have always wanted to be in some sort of health care career so I can help people.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I’ve attended FCA numerous times when it does not conflict with athletics. I have played in some esports matches with some of my tennis teammates. I plan on being a part of the
Kinesiology club which just started at the end of last semester.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I enjoy country and rap music most of the time. My favorite country artists to listen to are Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan. My favorite rap artists are Travis Scott, Jack
Harlow, and Eminem.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
I’ve learned a lot from attending Central and playing sports. Transferring to Central in the middle of the year was difficult. Having to learn a new campus, having new professors, and playing two sports with all new teammates was quite overwhelming at first. I had a hard time adjusting when it came to tennis. Coach Ferrell helped me a lot when it came to making the transition. He focuses on teaching me things that will help my tennis, but those lessons relate to every other aspect in my life which has been beneficial.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
My first celebrity crush would probably have to be Vanessa Hudgens. I watched a lot of High School Musical with my sister when I was younger.
What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
Best vacation I’ve been on probably has to be when I went to Orlando. It was the first time I was on a plane and left the Midwest so that was fun. I swam in the ocean and even got to
experience a little bit of the Daytona Bike Week. The best part was going to Universal Studios. The roller coasters were amazing and of course the Harry Potter World was awesome.
Which of the four Grand Slams would you most want to attend?
This is a difficult question. There’s nothing that really intrigues me about going to the Australian Open. The French Open would be amazing to go to if I got to see Nadal play. The U.S. Open would be amazing to go to because of the energy from Arthur Ashe Stadium, but I’d say Wimbledon would be the one I’d want to see. It’s a historic place with the best grass courts in the world. I would love to see some matches there.
Describe your perfect pizza
It would have to be thin crust, double mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and canadian bacon. This pizza is from a place in my hometown, and it is truly the best pizza.
Favorite TV Show
There are two easy answers for this question, and I can’t say one without the other. The first show I’d say would be Yellowstone. Truly a phenomenal show, has some of the most intense scenes out of any tv show and it has great comedy. My parents and I rewatch this show every day of the week, like it just came out yesterday, and that’s not an exaggeration. The second show would have to be Friends. A true classic with great comedy. I have watched all 10 seasons probably about 25 times and that is also not an exaggeration.
What’s it like to play for Coach Ferrell?
It’s awesome playing for Coach Ferrell. He brings a lot of energy and positivity everyday which is good for our team. What I like most is that he can be positive but can crack down on us when we need it. Coach Ferrell focuses on using tennis to teach us lifelong lessons. He understands how tennis can positively affect our lives in college and after college which I really like.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central men’s tennis team?
My favorite part about being on the tennis team is by far the friendships I’ve made. The guys welcomed me halfway through the year and they made it easy to fit in. I’m glad I came when I did because I got to become friends with a great set of seniors and I’m excited to spend more years with my current teammates and friends.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
In ten years, I hope to be a physical therapist somewhere in the Midwest. I hope I am making countless memories with my future wife and family.
Favorite food from Central Market
It’s got to be the BBQ brisket and the macaroni and cheese with 2 glasses of whole milk. Then, a twist of ice cream cone on the way out.
Bucket list
- Go to Universal Studios with my family
- Dallas Cowboys game
- Notre Dame Football game
- Atlanta Hawks game
- New York Mets game
