In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Rutger van Dongen. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Rutger tells more about himself.

Sports: Tennis
Entry semester: Fall 2025

This is Rutger van Dongen, a 17-year-old athlete from the Netherlands, from Etten-Leur. Sports have always been his great passion. At the age of six, he started playing soccer, and every game was the highlight of the week for him. But when he turned fifteen, everything changed. He started playing tennis with his father and soon became completely entangled in the sport. The challenge of continuous learning and the endless hours he could spend on the court made him fall in love with tennis.

What makes Rutger special as a person is his enthusiasm and determination. He always gives his all, at all times, and makes sure to excel not only athletically, but also academically. He values good school performance and ensures that he always gets high grades. At the same time, he finds it important to maintain a good social life in addition to his sports and studies.

As an athlete, Rutger stands out for his discipline, eagerness to learn and coachability. He is always open to advice and actively seeks ways to improve himself. His strong focus and perseverance keep him challenging himself and constantly growing as a player. Rutger brings energy and commitment to the field and wants to take not only himself, but also his team to the top.

In the future, Rutger wants to become the best tennis player he can be in America, while also pursuing an education in a field he is passionate about. What he wants to do after college, he does not yet know exactly, but he looks forward with enthusiasm to anything that comes his way.

“Discipline is the key quality that defines me.”
Rutger van Dongen

Want to get to know Rutger better? Check out the video below where he introduces himself!