For senior public health major Nick Madole, after stepping away from competitive baseball, he rediscovered his love for the game. What started as joining an intramural softball league two years ago became the first chapter of an unexpected comeback story. Last season, that spark turned into reality as Madole picked up his cleats, earned a spot in the starting lineup, and made his return to the diamond.

FAMILY LEGACY ON THE FIELD 
Before Madole transferred to Biola two years ago, he attended Irvine Valley College (IVC), where he played for two seasons. While on IVC's baseball team, he got a special experience that not many players had the opportunity to have. Madole played for his dad, Kent Madole, who has been coaching there since 2001. 

"It was a crazy experience to see my dad as a coach; I loved it so much," said Madole. "He taught me everything in my life, but even baseball in those two years. I couldn't have asked for anything better than to be able to learn from my dad." 

Baseball runs deep in his family, as he was able to play with his two brothers, Noah and Nate, for the 2022 season. The Madole brothers ran the diamond: one was a pitcher, another was in the outfield, and Nick Madole was in the infield. 

DRAWN TO BIOLA 
Although Madole enjoyed his two years at IVC, he was drawn to Biola. 

"There was something drawing me to Biola," said Madole. The school and the values of it, and being able to be in a discipleship house under one of the top Bible professors. I really do think God was working in my heart." 

Two years ago, Madole was on campus but did not play for Biola's team due to arriving late and the roster already being full. During that season, he focused on personal growth and felt he was learning to depend on God, trusting in His truth and Word.

Although he was committed to self-improvement, the possibility of playing still lingered in the back of his mind. 

With the thought of possibly playing, he turned it into ammunition and started training to take the diamond again. 

SOFTBALL'S SPARK
Despite not being on the Biola baseball team, Madole was always an Eagle athlete. Like many former athletes, he joined an intramural softball team, which made him miss baseball even more. 

"Softball made me think, 'Oh man, I should be playing baseball, '" said Madole 

Madole missed the game, and intramural softball was the closest he was going to get to playing on the diamond last year. He missed the game and wanted to compete at a high competition level, which ignited a fire in him. 

"I grew up around baseball. I grew up with everything in the sports world," said Madole. "So I did miss the bond of sports, and what sports bring with guys, being able to talk to them and grow together." 

BEHIND THE COMEBACK 
Madole had his eyes set on playing for the Eagles, and he did not accomplish this task alone. His dad helped him get to where he is today. 

"My dad has helped me more than I can even explain," said Madole. "My dad has helped me 100%, and I'm so thankful for everything he's done for me." 

From throwing countless hours of batting practice to hitting thousands of ground balls and even letting Madole train with his IVC team, his dad was with him every step of the way. 

His dad was not his only supporter and trainer; his older brother Noah helped him.

"I was able to hit with my brother and learn from him, as he's a year older than I,"said Madole. "When you hit with a guy, you look at his swing, you learn from them, and get to grow with them too." 

PRAYER AND PEACE
With the training and help from his family, Madole spent time in prayer for guidance. 

"There was a lot of prayer that went into trying to figure out,  am I going to play? Is that the Lord's will for me, if He wants me to play again?" said Madole. "Through a lot of prayer, I felt at peace." 

With that clarity, Madole reached back out to head coach Jesse Rodgers, who gave him the opportunity to try out in the fall. 

"I was super thankful for that because that's all I wanted, and all I was really praying for," said Madole. "Just an opportunity to go out and play in freedom and joy that the Lord has blessed me with." 

During tryouts, Madole carried that peace and gratitude onto the field.

"I had confidence in myself and ultimately, I felt at peace with what the Lord had given me and the opportunity," said Madole. "If it were the Lord's will for me to play again, I would be playing again." 

Trusting in that purpose, Madole gave it his all.

"I just wanted to give it to God and whatever happens, happens, and thankfully, I was able to perform well enough to make the team," said Madole.  

BROTHERLY COMPETITION
Last season, Madole faced off against a familiar opponent—his brother Noah, who now plays for Vanguard, a rival school in the PacWest Conference.

"It was the first time I've ever played against my brother," said Madole. "We've always played with each other, but never against."

From playing together to mentoring one another to now being brotherly rivals, the Madole brothers have experienced nearly every layer of sportsmanship.

THANKFUL 
The way Nick Madole sums up his baseball experience is thankful. In his first year with the team, he was a part of history: most runs scored in a seven-inning game and Biola being seen in the postseason for the first time in Division 2 history. 

"It's a total high for me, because I missed playing, but it was also a lot of growth," said Madole. "I look back, and after playing a full season,  I'm just thankful for the opportunity and thankful for the way God has been working in my life."