Jack Hillis
Clive, Iowa
Class of 2027
Why did you chose Central?
I chose Central because I really liked the small student body. When looking for schools I didn’t want to be at a school with tens of thousands of people. I also wanted to continue to play soccer at the next level and central along with coach Laidlaw allowed me to do that. I also liked the distance it was from home; it is far enough away but also close enough for me to get him if I need to.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Mark Barloon because I think he is such an interesting guy. With the number of stories that he has you’d think he’s lived 20 different lives. I’m not a history major but whenever I can fit one of his classes into my schedule I do because I enjoy them so much.
You’re majoring in Business Management because?
I chose to major in business management because I knew I wanted to do something business related, I just wasn’t sure what. With a business management degree, I can do tons of different work in the business world and that was a major appeal for me. My goal is to have my own business someday.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
This past year I was involved in the Scholte Programming Board which coordinated events for the Scholte resident hall. Outside of Central I also coach a youth soccer team in Pella with my roommate and it’s an absolute blast.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I’m a big country guy, right now my go-tos are Morgan Wallen and Tyler Childers. I’ve seen Morgan Wallen in concert, and I want to try and see Tyler Childers sometime soon. I really like Tyler Childers song Feathered Indians.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Attending Central and playing at the collegiate level have impacted me a lot. At central I’ve met some of my best friend that I know will be a huge part of my life for many years to come. Playing a sport at the collegiate level has taught me how grit and determination are crucial if you want to be successful at the next level. Every game is a battle and your body gets pretty beat up but at the end of the day its all worth it.
Favorite professional soccer club?
My favorite professional team is Manchester City. One of my fondest memories is my dad and I watching Aguero score in the 93rd minute against QPR to win the league in 2012 on the final day of the season.
Favorite TV show when you were a kid?
Growing up I was a big Wild Kratts guy. I would watch it almost every day.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a coach in your life
The best advice that I’ve received from a coach is ‘Be bold”. Play like you’ve got nothing to lose, that’s when you’re at your best. The coach that told me that was one of the best coaches I’ve ever had, he made me a better player and a better person.
What’s the best fast food restaurant?
I don’t know if it’s considered fast food, but Big Acai is by far the best. My go-to is the basically popcorn sized bucket with acai base, granola and banana +Strawberry’s.
Favorite TV Show
I’m a big true crime guy. I love the show “criminal minds”. I also like to watch the true crime documentaries that are on Netflix. I even thought about majoring in criminal justice because I find it so interesting.
What’s it like to play for Coach Laidlaw?
Coach Laidlaw is such a great guy; he always supports us players no matter what. He has an open-door policy; he’s always taking the time to talk with us about soccer and our personal lives. I think that one thing that sets him apart from other coaches is that he takes the time to get to know our lives outside of soccer, he’ll ask about our families and our girlfriends. He also gets the best out of us on the field, he’ll go to bat for us no matter what and will always support us and for me that was a big reason for coming to central. But he’ll also get on us if we aren’t playing up to the standard, we all know we can. I know he has 100% confidence in me as a player, and I really value that. I think Garry is the perfect fit coach for a player like me and I couldn’t ask for a better role model. He’s been at Central for 26 years, clearly he’s doing something right.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central soccer?
The brotherhood, I know that every single one of those guys has my back no matter what and they know I have theirs. Those guys on that team are lifelong friends and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
10 years from now I hope to have settled down and have a family and a couple kids. I hope to be working in either the business side of the construction world or starting my own business. In an ideal world I would be retired playing golf all day with my old man. But that’s just a dream.
Favorite food from Central Market
Fruit Pizza hands down, it’s my weakness I know I don’t need it but I can’t resist. I’m addicted to it.
Bucket list
I want to travel through Europe, maybe take a month or two after graduation. I would go to some soccer games over there. I think the culture over there is so cool. Another bucket list item is to go to the Masters, I think it would be so cool to see Augusta in person.
