Riva Hogeweg

Soccer:
Riva began her academy journey, transitioning from an amateur club to VV Alkmaar, where she combined academy training with amateur football. Until the age of ten, Riva played amongst boys where her physical abilities developed well. Later, she became a full-time academy player of VV Alkmaar, where she spent two seasons competing at a high level and regularly faced top-level opposition against boys teams as well as professional girls academy teams. The following three years Riva joined professional club AZ Alkmaar where she was frequently selected to compete against boys teams as well as professional girls academy teams, highlighting her consistency and reliability within the squad.
Riva currently plays for the senior women’s team of ZVV Zaandijk, competing in the Hoofdklasse league which is one of the highest senior leagues in The Netherlands. As one of the younger players, she competes against older and more physical players where she can develop her physical strengths.

As a defender, Riva’s biggest strengths lie in her speed, physicality, and tactical awareness. Her pace allows her to make frequent overlaps, providing width and depth in attack while still recovering defensively. Having played against boys for many years, she is comfortable in physical duels and often comes out on top. Her strong game insight enables her to adapt quickly to different opponents and tactical systems, a skill further developed through the varied playing styles demanded within the AZ academy.

Riva has also been selected multiple times in the KNVB talent identification process, progressing through several preliminary rounds. These experiences, combined with her professional academy background, underline her potential and ambition to perform at the highest levels of youth football.

Riva is set to graduate high school in the Spring of 2027 and looking to join a strong collegiate program in the Fall of 2027.