Slamstox helps students combine their passion for sports with studying at top universities in Europe! Do you dream of studying in Scotland or in the middle of Rome, for example, while continuing to play sports at a high level?

Playing sports and studying at a boarding school in America is a great step for students who do not yet want to or cannot go to college. Enjoy American facilities and intense sports culture as a gap year, or to best prepare for your college adventure.

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Athlete Introductions

in this blog serie we will introduce several Slamstox student-athletes and expose their sport and personal background information.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Laura Ploeger. In addition, below you will find the video in which Laura tells more about herself.

Sports: Artistic Swimming
Entry semester: Fall 2027

This is Laura Ploeger, an ambitious and versatile artistic swimmer from the Netherlands. Laura competes for De Dolfijn and the Royal Dutch Swimming Association (KNZB), where she is active in solo, duet and team events. With her strong technical foundation, length and quick adaptability to new routines and regulations, she has developed into a standout athlete within Dutch artistic swimming.

Laura began her career at De Dolfijn and progressed to a higher level of competition at a young age. At the age of thirteen, she was asked to join the senior free combination team due to a shortage of swimmers. Because there were no age restrictions at the time, she got early experience at the senior level. This unique opportunity played an important role in her development as an athlete.

Because of these achievements, Laura was invited to train with the Dutch national youth team. In the following season she was part of the national youth program, where she gained experience within an intensive and professional training environment. Her development was rapid and her first international competition with the team in Prague was an important highlight. There she achieved third place in the individual technical figures and second place with the team.

Later that season, Laura made her debut at the Dutch Senior Championships, where she won silver with the team in both the technical and free routine. Shortly thereafter, she represented the Netherlands in Belgium with her solo, where she again gained international experience.

What sets Laura apart as an athlete is her technical quality. She excels in elements such as barracudas, spins and twirls and quickly adapts to new grading systems. Her height is a great advantage within elevators and acrobatic elements, in which she combines stability and height. In addition, she is highly disciplined, detail-oriented and able to focus within several competition forms simultaneously.

In addition to her athletic ambitions, Laura values her studies. She combines top sport with strong academic goals and is motivated to develop further both athletically and personally within a challenging environment.

“My goal is to keep improving, enjoy the process, and compete at the highest level possible.” – Laura Ploeger

Would you like to see more from Laura? Watch the video below where she introduces herself.

In this article we tell you more about student-athlete Bastiaan Donkers. In addition, below you will find the video in which Bastiaan tells more about himself.

Sports: Soccer
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Bastiaan Donkers, a versatile and intelligent soccer player from the Netherlands. Bastiaan is a left-legged defender and midfielder currently playing for DBS U19-1, active in the premier league and 1st division. With his calmness on the ball, strong game insight and tactical flexibility, he has developed into an important link between defense and midfield.

Bastiaan has been playing for DBS since he was five years old and went through all the youth teams within the club. From the age of eight he played in the highest team of his age category. Over the years he and his teams won several championships, including several big league titles. At the age of 15, his team won both the big league and the 6th division competition. He remained successful in the following years as well, again with multiple big league championships, including right in his first season with the U19-1.

In his younger years, Bastiaan played mainly as a left midfielder and left fielder. On his own initiative, he later made the switch to the left back position, a choice that helped him develop into a modern, attacking defender. Since last season, he has additionally been deployed regularly as a defensive midfielder, a role in which his coaches have great confidence in him. His versatility allows him to adapt tactically easily and be of value to the team in multiple positions.

What typifies Bastiaan as a player is his calmness and overview in possession of the ball. He reads the game well, recognizes spaces quickly and makes smart choices under pressure. His passing is accurate and neat, while his crosses and corners regularly create dangerous situations. In addition, he supports the attacking play with overlaps and helps from the build-up to set up the game in a controlled way from behind.

Mentally, Bastiaan also stands out positively. He is known for his perseverance, loyalty and team-oriented mentality. He always continues to work hard, supports his teammates and consistently puts the collective interest above his own performance. This attitude makes him not only a reliable player, but also a valuable teammate within any selection.

In addition to his achievements in youth soccer, Bastiaan regularly gains experience on senior teams, where he is often part of the starting lineup. Playing against physically stronger and more experienced opponents helps him develop further on a tactical and physical level. Meanwhile, he has also managed to score his first goal at senior level.

Internationally, Bastiaan gained experience during tournaments in Germany, Belgium, Spain and several tournaments within the Netherlands. With his team he achieved second place in both 2024 and 2025 during international tournaments in Germany. These experiences further strengthened his adaptability and competitive spirit.

Besides soccer, Bastiaan values his education. By combining top sports and school for many years, he has developed discipline, responsibility and time management. He is motivated to further develop both academically and athletically within an ambitious and challenging environment.

“I am a calm and positive person who always works hard and thinks about the team.” – Bastiaan Donkers

Would you like to see more from Bastiaan? Check out the video below where he introduces himself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Luna den Besten. In addition, below you will find the video in which Luna tells more about herself.

Sports: Women’s Tennis
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Luna den Besten, an ambitious and powerful left-handed tennis player from the Netherlands. Luna is known for her tremendous work ethic, professional mindset and competitive spirit. With extensive experience at both the national and international level, she has developed into a strong and complete player who is ready to make an impact within college tennis in the United States.

Luna started playing tennis at the age of four and has since accumulated years of experience in national ranking tournaments (NRT) and international ITF tournaments. She also competes in the Hoofdklasse, the highest mixed competition level in the Netherlands. Through these experiences, she has developed into a true match player who performs excellently under pressure and always keeps fighting for every point.

What typifies Luna as a player is her combination of athletic ability, tactical insight and intensity. As a left-handed player, she possesses a natural advantage, which she makes the most of with her powerful and varied serve. Both her kick serve and slice serve ensure that opponents are constantly under pressure. One of her greatest weapons is her aggressive backhand down the line, with which she can take over rallies and finish points.

What may make Luna even stronger is her mental toughness. She is known for her “never give up” mentality and her ability to stay calm and focused during tough matches. Even in the most intense moments, she continues to battle and look for solutions on the court. Although she performs strongly individually in singles, her big league experience has also taught her the importance of responsibility, teamwork and representing a team.

In addition to her qualities on the track, Luna is a disciplined and ambitious student-athlete who values her studies. She is looking for a university with a strong academic program in which she can further develop both athletically and personally.

“I always look for something to improve.” – Luna den Besten

Would you like to see more from Luna? Watch the video below where she introduces herself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Fynn Ong. In addition, below you will find the video in which Fynn tells more about himself.

Sports: Men’s Basketball
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Fynn Ong, an ambitious and talented basketball player from the Netherlands. Fynn plays as a shooting guard for Rotterdam Basketball at the highest youth level of his age group. With his height of 1.93 meters, strong shot and high basketball IQ, he has developed into a versatile guard who excels in competitive environments.

Fynn started playing organized basketball at the age of 13, relatively late compared to many other players. Nevertheless, he made an immediate impression and in his first season was selected for the U14-1 Eredivisie team, the highest youth level in the Netherlands. Thanks to his rapid development, he was given more responsibility within the team early on, which significantly accelerated his growth as a player.

Internationally, Fynn gained valuable experience during internships and tournaments in Spain with both the U14-1 and U16-1 teams. In addition, in 2023 he participated in the Teo4 Camp in Serbia, founded by former EuroLeague star Miloš Teodosić. Here he trained in a professional and intensive environment that focused on skill development, decision-making and competitiveness.

What typifies Fynn as a player is his calmness and control on the field. He possesses excellent game insight, makes smart decisions and consistently creates scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His three-point shot is one of his greatest weapons, especially in catch-and-shoot situations and when playing in rhythm. In addition, his floater is an effective scoring tool against bigger defenders and rim protectors.

In addition to his qualities on the field, Fynn is known as a disciplined, coachable and reliable teammate. He is eager to learn, works hard and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. His mentality is best described by his own attitude: “in it to win it.”

“I want to compete against the best players every day and become the strongest and most complete player I can be.” – Fynn Ong

Would you like to see more from Fynn? Check out the video below where he introduces himself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Henk Gabriel van der Ham (HG). In addition, below you will find the video in which HG tells more about himself.

Sports: Men’s asketball
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Henk Gabriel van der Ham, a driven and versatile basketball player from the Netherlands, currently active within the Landstede Hammers program. With his height of 6’5 and his employability at multiple positions, HG is a player who easily adapts to different roles within a team.

His passion for sports is deeply rooted. His mother, originally from Peru, played high school basketball herself and transmitted her competitive mindset to HG. This influence is clearly seen in his game and mentality: HG is hugely competitive and always strives to get the most out of himself and his team.

HG started his basketball career at Crackerjacks Amersfoort, after which he made the move to UBALL Utrecht, where he played at premier league level in the U12 and U14. Here he quickly developed into an impactful player, with highlights including a bronze medal and a nomination for Defensive Player of the Year. His achievements did not go unnoticed and earned him a spot within Team NL U15 and later as a reserve with U16.

HG currently plays within the Landstede Hammers line, where he is active in multiple teams, including the Men’s First Division. In addition, in the 2023-2024 season he made his debut in the BNXT League and was in the final of the Dutch Supercup. One of his most impressive individual achievements is his game in the U16 premier league in which he scored 38 points, becoming the top scorer of that round of play.

What typifies HG as a player is his strong defensive presence. With his long reach, quick footwork and reaction speed, he is a tough matchup for any opponent. He also possesses a good shot and strong shot technique. His game insight allows him to read the game well and anticipate it. On the court, he also takes a leadership role by coaching his teammates, especially in defensive situations.

As a person, HG is highly competitive and goal-oriented. He likes to challenge himself and continually raises the bar. At the same time, he is eager to learn and open to feedback, which helps him to constantly develop. He has a strong mindset and does not give up easily, regardless of the situation. His drive to get better, both as a player and as a person, is one of his greatest strengths.

” I want to develop myself to the highest possible level as a professional basketball player. “
– Henk Gabriel van der Ham

Would you like to see more from Henk? Check out the video below where he introduces himself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Noah Wesselmann. In addition, below you will find the video in which Noah tells more about himself.

Sports: Tennis
Entry semester: Fall 2027

This is Noah Wesselmann, an ambitious and versatile tennis player from Germany. Noah plays for TC Hiltrup, where he plays in the 5th division. With a spot in the national top 100, he has developed in recent years into a strong and consistent player within his age group.

Noah began playing tennis when he was six years old. In his younger years, he combined tennis with basketball, but eventually chose to focus entirely on tennis. This early athletic background contributed to his coordination, athletic ability and insight on the court.

Even at a young age, Noah showed that he has great talent. He took second place in the consolation round of the German U11 Championships and was part of the federation team at the National Talent Cup (U11). He also played regularly for regional and national selection teams in team competitions and tournaments, gaining valuable experience at a high level.

What typifies Noah as a player is his mental strength and ability to adapt to different situations. He possesses a strong forehand, an effective backhand slice and good anticipation skills. His variation in playing style makes him unpredictable and difficult to play with. In addition, he always maintains a positive mindset, which helps him stay focused even in difficult moments during matches.

In addition to his qualities on the track, Noah is a social and open person. He loves talking to others, laughing and getting to know new people. This trait not only makes him a fine teammate, but also helps him feel at home quickly in new environments. His adaptability and positive attitude contribute to both his athletic and personal development.

” I want to take my game to the next level and compete internationally. “

Noah Wesselmann

Would you like to see more from Noah? Check out the video below where he introduces himself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Lani Derickx. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Lani tells more about herself.

Sports: Field Hockey
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Lani Derickx, an 18-year-old field hockey player from the Netherlands. Lani was already standing with a field hockey stick in her hands as soon as she could walk. Inspired by her mother, whom she still loves to watch during games, she discovered her passion at an early age. Although she tried different sports in her youth such as soccer, dance and judo, it was field hockey that really made her heart beat faster. She played in the first teams throughout her youth and is now part of her club’s first senior team.

What makes Lani special as a person is her tremendous perseverance and perfectionism. She is someone who wants to get everything she does right the first time. Besides her drive, she enjoys time with family and friends, but she is also good at taking her rest and getting energy from moments alone.

What really sets Lani apart as an athlete is that she never gives up. Her perseverance is immediately evident in her game; she always keeps pushing forward, even when things get tough. Thanks to her experience as a coach, she knows how to motivate a team and she is always open to feedback to take her own game to the next level. She is a true team player who always puts the best interest of the group first.

In the future, Lani hopes to play at a high level for a college in America, surrounded by players and coaches who, like her, strive for success. Lani wants to play at the highest level she can handle while also making the most of her field hockey career as she works toward a career in psychiatry.

” In the USA I want to grow as a field hockey player and as a team, while getting my degree. “

Lani Derickx

Would you like to see more from Lani? Check out the video below where she introduces herself.

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

Sports: Men’s soccer
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Max Vogt, a 15-year-old athlete from the Netherlands living in The Hague. Max started playing soccer in the streets with his friends when he was about three years old. At the age of four he joined his first club. Initially he played as a fielder, but soon, at the age of seven, he discovered that he liked goalkeeper much more. Since then he has continued to grow as a goalkeeper, playing on his club’s higher teams. Recently he made the move to a new club to develop even better.

What makes Max special as a person is his perseverance and mindset. He is not a quitter and does everything he can to become the best version of himself, both on and off the field. He does not see losing as failure, but as an opportunity to learn and grow. He also finds humor important to put things in perspective.

What really sets Max apart as an athlete is that he is a very competitive goalie and true team player. He actively coaches his team from behind and remains mentally strong even when criticism comes his way. Negative comments do not leave him unbalanced, while he sees feedback as an opportunity to learn and get better. His love for the game goes beyond the field; he lives for soccer and follows the game with great passion even outside of practices and games.

In the future, Max hopes to continue developing in America as a goalkeeper and as a person, while enjoying all that life there has to offer. He wants to meet new people and experience a different culture. His life goal is to play college soccer at a high athletic and academic level. Max wants to make soccer his job, do what he loves most and most of all be happy.

“Even in bad times, I will always support the team and work hard to get the best outcome.”

Max Vogt

Would you like to see more from Max? Check out the video below where he introduces himself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Annelore Sturkenboom. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Annelore tells more about herself.

Sports: Field Hockey
Entry semester: Fall 2027

This is Annelore Sturkenboom, a 15-year-old field hockey player from the Netherlands living in Eindhoven. Annelore started playing field hockey when she was six years old. At that age she did some other sports like athletics and tennis, but she liked field hockey the most. Now Annelore plays for Oranje-Rood and two years ago she participated with her team in the national championships.

What makes Annelore special as a person is that she is social and enjoys doing things with her friends. She also enjoys meeting new people and making new friends.

What really sets Annelore apart as an athlete is that she is a true team player. She always tries to motivate her teammates and cheer them up when things don’t work out for a while. Annelore’s technique and speed are very strong. She can combine her good technique with her speed on the field hockey fields.

In the future in America, Annelore hopes to continue to develop herself every day as a person and as an athlete. She would like to play field hockey at the highest possible level while being able to combine this with her studies. In America Annelore would like to improve her English and her social skills. In the end the most important thing for Annelore is that she wants to have a great time in America.

“I always want to give 100% and never quit”

Annelore Sturkenboom

Would you like to see more from Annelore? Check out the video below where she introduces herself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Maura Kes. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Maura tells more about herself.

Sports: women’s track & field
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Maura Kes, a 16-year-old athlete from the Netherlands, living in Beverwijk. Maura comes from an athletic family. Her father was a cyclist and her mother used to be a hurdler and long jumper. At the age of eight, Maura started athletics. Her mother often took her and her younger sister to the track during her own workouts or when she was training as a coach. So it was only a matter of time before Maura joined the club herself.

What makes Maura special as a person is her openness and honesty. What you see is what you get. She is spontaneous, humble, enthusiastic and results-oriented. When she does something, she wants to execute it well and perfectly. She is someone you can trust, who never disappoints anyone and always pays attention to the people around her.

What really sets Maura apart as an athlete is that she is driven and persistent. She doesn’t give up, even when the going gets tough. That’s why she loves the 400-meter hurdles: a tough number, both mentally and physically. Maura keeps going and continuously challenges herself to the limit.

In de toekomst hoopt Maura in Amerika haar atletiek en studie te kunnen combineren op een hoger niveau. Bij haar huidige club traint ze slechts drie keer per week, maar in Amerika kan ze haar trainingen uitbreiden en zich verder ontwikkelen als atlete. Tegelijkertijd wil ze een universitaire opleiding volgen. Dit biedt haar de kans om zowel sportief als persoonlijk te groeien.

“I don’t give up and I want to drive myself to the edge.”

Maura Kes

Would you like to see more from Maura? Check out the video below where she introduces herself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Bo Verhoeven. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Bo tells more about herself.

Sports: Men’s soccer
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Bo Verhoeven, a 16-year-old athlete from the Netherlands, living in Hedel. Bo started playing soccer at VV Hedel, where he became champion twice. After that he got a trial period at FC Den Bosch, and then he played at N.I.V.O Sparta, a local club in a higher division, where he again became champion twice. He also got trial periods at FC Utrecht and Top Oss. In his spare time, Bo enjoys running and goes to the gym five times a week to further develop physically.

What makes Bo special as a person is his optimism, perseverance and social nature. He is always positive and persistent in everything he does. In new situations, he also knows how to connect quickly and almost always leaves with two new friends.

What really sets Bo apart as an athlete is that he is a hard worker both on and off the field. He is a true team player and helps his teammates when they are struggling, which has earned him the role of captain at both clubs. His greatest strengths as a soccer player are his physical strength, excellent game insight and technical skills.

In the future, Bo hopes to become the best soccer player he can be in America. He is looking forward to combining sports and studies at a high level, something that would not be possible in the Netherlands. In addition, he sees it as a new adventure and looks forward to meeting new people. His biggest goal in life is to become a professional soccer player, but if that fails, he would like to work in the event industry, inspired by his parents’ work.

“Whenever I see my teammate struggling, I try to help them.”

Bo Verhoeven

Would you like to see more from Bo? Check out the video below where he introduces himself.

In this article we tell you more about student-athlete Rosalie Hoekstra. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Rosalie tells more about herself.

Sports: Field Hockey
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Rosalie Hoekstra, a 17-year-old field hockey player from the Netherlands, living in Lunteren. Rosalie started playing field hockey at MHV Maarssen where she fell in love with the sport. After playing there for several years, Rosalie had to play field hockey at MHC Ede due to relocation. From the age of twelve Rosalie has been playing in the top teams of her age. In order to keep developing, she is now allowed to join the first senior team of her club since two years.

What makes Rosalie special as a person is that she is sociable, spontaneous and a hardworking person. She is almost always laughing or smiling. Rosalie is also very motivated and works hard to achieve her goals. Rosalie is very disciplined and knows when to take responsibility, which can obviously help her combine her sport and studies very well.

What really sets Rosalie apart as an athlete is that she is an all-around player. She is good at attacking and at defending. Rosalie is quick on the sides. Her favorite position is right back, but she can also play in midfield. Rosalie always stays calm under pressure and she enjoys coaching her teammates.

In the future, Rosalie hopes to continue to develop herself every day in America. She also wants to be able to improve her English in America, just like she wants to meet new people and discover the new field hockey culture. In her future team, she wants to be able to motivate her teammates to be able to get better together.

“I will bring a lot of energy and commitment to the team because I will always give 100 percent.”

Rosalie Hoekstra

Would you like to see more from Rosalie? Check out the video below where she introduces herself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Sophie Wegman. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Sophie tells more about herself.

Sports: Women’s Gymnastics
Entry semester: Fall 2027

This is Sophie Wegman, a 16-year-old athlete from the Netherlands, living in Heerhugowaard. Sophie started doing gymnastics at the age of seven. Since then, she has always enjoyed learning new skills and challenging herself. From a young age, she was an energetic girl who could never spend enough time in the gym.

What makes Sophie special as a person is that she is ambitious, disciplined and pleasant to work with. She learns quickly, adapts easily and loves to be active.

What really sets Sophie apart as an athlete is that she is very eager to learn and coach. She is always open to learning new things and helps others both in and out of the gym. Sophie listens carefully to feedback, takes corrections seriously and is willing to keep repeating something until it is perfect.

In the future, Sophie hopes to become the best version of herself in America as a gymnast, teammate and student. She wants to contribute to a positive and hard-working environment, continue to develop academically and have fun in what she does. Although she does not yet know exactly what she wants to be later, she is certain that gymnastics will always be an important part of her life. The sport has taught her to believe in herself, persevere and grow both in and out of the gym.

“I bring a positive attitude, a can-do mindset, and the drive to keep improving every day.”

Sophie Wegman

Would you like to see more from Sophie? Check out the video below where she introduces herself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Maura Kes. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Maura tells more about herself.

Sports: women’s track & field
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Maura Kes, a 16-year-old athlete from the Netherlands, living in Beverwijk. Maura comes from an athletic family. Her father was a cyclist and her mother used to be a hurdler and long jumper. At the age of eight, Maura started athletics. Her mother often took her and her younger sister to the track during her own workouts or when she was training as a coach. So it was only a matter of time before Maura joined the club herself.

What makes Maura special as a person is her openness and honesty. What you see is what you get. She is spontaneous, humble, enthusiastic and results-oriented. When she does something, she wants to execute it well and perfectly. She is someone you can trust, who never disappoints anyone and always pays attention to the people around her.

What really sets Maura apart as an athlete is that she is driven and persistent. She doesn’t give up, even when the going gets tough. That’s why she loves the 400-meter hurdles: a tough number, both mentally and physically. Maura keeps going and continuously challenges herself to the limit.

In the future, Maura hopes to combine her athletics and studies at a higher level in America. At her current club she trains only three times a week, but in America she can expand her training and develop further as an athlete. At the same time, she wants to pursue a university education. This will give her the opportunity to grow both athletically and personally, meet new international people, be part of a university team and make the team better. Her life goal is to be the best she can be, both on the track and in her studies, while staying true to herself and the people she loves.

“I don’t give up and I want to drive myself to the edge.”

Maura Kes

Would you like to see more from Maura? Check out the video below where she introduces herself.

In this article, we introduce you to student-athlete Steven Knol. Below you will also find a video in which Steven introduces himself.

Sports: Men’s Swimming
Entry semester: Fall 2026

Meet Steven Knol, a 16-year-old swimmer, from Nigtevecht. Steven learned to swim when he was four years old. Because his entire family swam, competitive swimming was familiar to him at an early age. At the age of seven he started competitive swimming at Triton, a local club, and later switched to De Otters Het Gooi to further develop his skills. There he qualified for his first Dutch championships. To specialize in medium and long distances and gain experience in 50-meter pools, he joined De Dolfijn in Amsterdam, where he swims at the highest national level.

What makes Steven special as a person is that he is sociable, easy going and works well with others both in and out of the pool. He is open to feedback and applies new tips and directions immediately.

What really sets Steven apart as an athlete is that he is very coachable and can perform well over longer distances. His trainers call him “even Steven” because he keeps his lap times consistent during races. Over the years he has made a lot of progression and believes he has a lot more potential to exploit.

In the future, Steven hopes to compete at the highest level in America, in an environment where sports and studies are well matched. Academically, he is passionate about economics and business administration and wants to pursue studies that will prepare him for a career in international business. He believes that combining his discipline as an athlete with academic challenges will help him grow both as an athlete and a professional.

“I’m disciplined, focused, and like to contribute positively to any team, pushing myself and others to new heights.”

Steven Knol

Would you like to see more from Steven? Check out the video below where he introduces himself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Lauren Koomans. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Lauren tells more about herself.

Sports: Field Hockey
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Lauren Koomans, a 17-year-old field hockey player from the Netherlands, living in Blaricum. Lauren started playing field hockey at the age of seven at LMHC Laren, where she immediately fell in love with the sport. She has always played on her club’s top teams, from the youngest youth to under-18, in the Dutch national league, the highest youth level in the country. Her team became national indoor champions at under-14 and Lauren scored the opening goal in the national championship at under-16. She has now been a part of Laren for ten years.

What makes Lauren special as a person is that she is sociable, positive and tremendously driven. She is known for her cheerful appearance and her ability to balance both her VWO studies and her intensive sports program. This has taught her a lot of discipline, focus and consistency. Outside of field hockey, Lauren is creative: she has been playing the piano since the age of four, taught herself to play guitar, loves skiing and snowboarding, loves to travel and draws a lot.

What really sets Lauren apart as an athlete is that she is a goal-oriented attacker with a hard and clean shot. She creates chances for herself as well as her teammates and plays primarily in the forwards as a striker. Her speed, explosiveness and strong prescanning allow her to make smart decisions on the field at lightning speed. She is also very coachable, always open to feedback and continuously striving to improve, which makes her a real team player.

In the future in America, Lauren hopes to combine her academic education with field hockey at the high level. She is looking forward to playing in a new environment with a professional approach to the sport and meeting new people. Lauren wants to continue to develop, both as a person and as a player, and sees the U.S. as the ideal place where sports, studies and personal growth come together. Her goal is to make the most of herself, continue to learn and take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way.

“I always give 100% on my games and all my training. I love to motivate my teammates to get better together because I truly love what I do.”

Lauren Koomans

Would you like to see more from Lauren? Check out the video below where she introduces herself.

In this article, we introduce you to student-athlete Vigo Borst. Below you will also find a video in which Vigo introduces himself.

Sports: Basketball
Entry semester: Fall 2026

Maak kennis met Vigo Borst, een toegewijde en positieve basketballer uit Den Haag. Vigo woont samen met zijn ouders, zijn oudere broer en jongere zusje. Op jonge leeftijd begon hij met freerunnen, maar merkte al snel dat hij liever een teamsport wilde doen. Toen hij 9 jaar oud was, stapte hij over naar basketbal, een keuze die zijn leven veranderde. Geïnspireerd door zijn broer, en aangetrokken door de dynamiek van teamsport, is hij sindsdien volledig verkocht.

Vigo heeft inmiddels op het hoogste niveau gebasketbald. Hij staat bekend als een rustige speler met een scherpe driepunter. Hij laat zich niet snel uit het veld slaan en blijft kalm, ook onder druk. Zijn doorzettingsvermogen is indrukwekkend: als Vigo ergens voor gaat, stopt hij pas als het gelukt is. Dat maakt hem niet alleen een sterke individuele speler, maar vooral ook een echte teamspeler die anderen om hem heen beter maakt.

Wat Vigo onderscheidt, is zijn positieve instelling. Of het nu goed of slecht gaat, hij probeert altijd het beste in situaties te zien en motiveert zijn teamgenoten om hetzelfde te doen. Die mentaliteit neemt hij mee naar Amerika, waar hij zich wil ontwikkelen als speler én als persoon. Hij wil groeien, zijn Engels verbeteren, en zichzelf beter leren kennen, allemaal in combinatie met het spel waar hij het meest van houdt: basketbal.

“When things go wrong on or off the court, I always look at things from the brightside.”
Vigo Borst

Bekijk hieronder de video waarin Vigo zich voorstelt.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Diane Moras. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Diane tells more about herself.

Sports: Women’s Lacrosse
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Diane Moras, a Lacrosse player from the Netherlands aged 17, living in The Hague. Diane was under ballet for a long time, until she was ready for a team sport. During Covid’19 she and her parents went looking for a team sport, but during that search they came across Lacrosse. Lacrosse reminded Diane of all the sports she had played in the past, so she decided to take up Lacrosse. Since that moment, Diane has come to love the sport.

What makes Diane special as a person is that she has lived in multiple countries. This allows her to adapt quickly in any situation. Diane also likes to learn new things, so she asks a lot of questions.

What really sets Diane apart as an athlete is that she has good coordination and speed. Diane can apply advice from a coach quickly because she learns quickly. Diane continuously strives to improve herself and she enjoys working in a team. She is also not afraid to take charge when needed in certain situations.

In the future, Diane hopes to continue to develop in America the way she already does. In addition, she hopes to play in many leagues. To her future team, Diane will add positivity, self-assurance, motivation and communication. After all, she believes that it is not important how strong you are individually, because you can achieve much more as a team.

“I would love to contribute to the development of Lacrosse in countries that have recently discovered it.”

Diane Moras

Would you like to see more from Diane? Check out the video below where she introduces herself.

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

Sports: Men’s track & field
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Oliver Kaeller, an 18-year-old athlete from the Netherlands, living in Wassenaar. From an early age he tried different sports, such as soccer and swimming. But running always felt different. It challenged him, inspired him and soon became his great passion.

What makes Oliver special as a person is that he is a natural leader. He knows how to connect and engage the people around him in a positive way for a good cause. For example, he recently brought a group of people together to organize a charity run.

What really sets Oliver apart as an athlete is his ability to focus entirely on his own development and achieving new goals. He performs best in races that require endurance and perseverance. In addition, he values sportsmanship and getting to know new people.

“I truly believe it’d be the perfect place for me.”

Oliver Kaeller

Would you like to see more from Oliver? Check out the video below where he introduces herself.

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Beau Silva. In addition, at the bottom of this article you will find the video in which Beau talks more about himself.

Sports: Men’s soccer
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Beau Silva, an 18-year-old athlete from the Netherlands, living in Amsterdam. He started playing soccer at the Arsenal Soccer Academy in Singapore when he was only four years old. Now, he lives in Amsterdam, is in his final year of vwo and plays in the senior selection of Voter Academy, where he trains under former professionals and Champions League winners.

What makes Beau special as a person is his enormous drive. He wants to combine sports and education at the highest level, something that does not come naturally. His schedule is always full. Off the field he is quiet and sometimes even introverted, but inside the lines he turns out to be a real leader. He coaches, keeps the defense sharp and is extremely competitive. He does not settle for being average.

What really sets Beau apart as an athlete is that he is versatile on the field. His main positions are defensive midfield, left back and left central back, but when the time comes, he likes to go on the attack. He is left footed, but also strong and confident with his right foot.

In the future, Beau hopes to take the next step in America by combining sports and studies in an environment with world-class facilities and opportunities.

“I’m ready to work hard, to grow, and to make a difference.”

Beau Silva

Would you like to see more from Beau? Check out the video below where he introduces herself.

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