Bo Nickal’s journey from collegiate wrestling star to mixed martial arts contender has been widely celebrated. Alongside him every step of the way has been his wife, Maddie Nickal, whose own athletic achievements deserve recognition. A standout soccer player at Penn State, Maddie built an impressive legacy through her dedication and on-field success, establishing herself as an accomplished athlete long before the couple became one of the university’s most recognized sports power pairs.

Who is Bo Nickal’s wife, Maddie Nickal?

Maddie Nickal, formerly Maddie Holmberg, is a former Penn State track and field star, registered dietitian, and nutrition coach. She attended Penn State University, where she studied kinesiology and psychology while competing in track and field.

Athletics played a major role in her college years. She became one of Penn State’s most successful multi-event athletes, earning three First-Team All-American honors. She excelled in the heptathlon and pentathlon, events requiring athletes to compete across multiple disciplines.

Her achievements remain among the best in program history. In 2018, she recorded a school record 5,976 points in the heptathlon. She also posted 4,274 points in the pentathlon, ranking second all-time at Penn State. Maddie’s athletic background extends beyond college. Her father, Rob Holmberg, played linebacker at Penn State before continuing his football career in the NFL. Today, she combines her education and athletic experience to help women improve their health, nutrition, and performance.

What is Maddie Nickal’s height and age?

Maddie Nickal’s exact age and height have not been publicly disclosed through the sources available. One thing known is her faith. Maddie’s Instagram profile includes a cross symbol, reflecting her Christian beliefs. Faith has also been a visible part of the Nickal family’s life and public presence over the years.

How did Bo Nickal and Maddie Nickal meet?

Bo Nickal and Maddie Nickal first met while attending Penn State University. Both were competing at the highest level in their respective sports. Bo was becoming one of college wrestling’s biggest stars, while Maddie was making her mark in track and field.

The pair shared mutual friends and spent time within the same social circles on campus. Over time, those interactions developed into a relationship. Their shared experiences as student-athletes helped create a strong connection. Both understood the demanding schedules, training commitments, and sacrifices required to compete at an elite level.

Their relationship continued to grow after graduation. Around the beginning of 2020, Bo proposed to Maddie. Later that year, the couple married and officially began their life together. Celebrating the occasion on social media, Maddie shared a heartfelt message expressing her love for her new husband. What began on a college campus eventually became one of Penn State’s most recognizable sports success stories.

What does Maddie Nickal do for a living?

Following her competitive track career, she transitioned into the health and wellness field. Drawing from her academic background in kinesiology and psychology, she built a career focused on nutrition and coaching.

Today, she works as a dietitian and nutrition coach. She specializes in helping former female athletes navigate life after competitive sports. Her coaching focuses on nutrition, lifestyle habits, and sustainable health practices.

In May 2023, she launched her own coaching program. The goal was simple: help women build healthy relationships with food while maintaining active lifestyles. Her work reflects many of the lessons she learned throughout her own athletic journey.

Meet Maddie Nickal and Bo Nickal’s children

Bo and Maddie Nickal are proud parents of two sons. Their first child, Ace Nickal, was born in December 2023. Bo shared the joyful news on social media, expressing his excitement about becoming a father and his gratitude to Maddie during their son’s birth.

The family grew once again in August 2025 with the arrival of their second son, Axel Nickal. Maddie announced the happy milestone on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into the family’s newest chapter as they welcomed another addition to the Nickal household.

Maddie Nickal’s Instagram

Maddie Nickal’s Instagram handle is @maddienickal. Her account is private. Her profile identifies her as a wife, mother, dietitian, and Penn State track and field alum.