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.

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

Sports: Men’s track & field
Entry semester: Fall 2027

This is Thomas Hordijk, a 16-year-old athlete from the Netherlands, living in Barendrecht. His passion for athletics started at the age of eight, since then he hasn’t done anything else. Thomas has been training for eight years now, four times a week. He is also a youth coach for younger groups. So that’s where Thomas gets his inspiration to teach kids new things.

What makes Thomas special as a person is that he is very helpful and caring. He likes to help others and bring out the best in others. Also, Thomas is very goal-oriented. The moment he has a goal in mind, he will do anything to achieve that goal. In addition, he also motivates his teammates so that they get the best out of themselves.

What really sets Thomas apart as an athlete is his ability to combine the fun he has in the sport with performing at a high level. He is also good at reflecting on himself. When something goes wrong in his game Thomas knows right away what is going wrong and can adjust accordingly.

In the future, Thomas hopes to do everything he can in the field of athletics in America. His life goal is to become a teacher who not only teaches his students things by the book, but who can also impart wise life lessons. Thomas will add a lot of sociability to his future team, but at the same time you will have a teammate in him who pushes you to a higher level.

“When I have something in my mind that I want to accomplish, I’ll put all the effort that’s needed to accomplish it.”

Thomas Hordijk

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

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

Sports: Men’s Tennis
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Rik Nettekoven, a tennis player from the Netherlands aged 19, living in Almere. Rik discovered his passion for tennis at an early age. He was seven when he started playing tennis. Since the age of 12, Rik has been training four to five times a week. Meanwhile, Rik has already played 750 matches in his tennis career. Rik is also a tennis coach for children and adults, which he does two evenings a week.

What makes Rik special as a person is that he is very calm and can listen well to others. Rik can also motivate other players very well. Because of his positive least, Rik also has a real winner’s mentality.

In the future, Rik hopes to complete his studies in America, but above all to play a lot of tennis. In the short term Rik wants to reach a UTR of ten plus and in the long term his goal is to become a professional. In his new team Rik will be of added value, because Rik is a real team player, very motivated, very positive and funny.

“I think I can achieve a lot in tennis.”

Rik Nettekoven

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

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

Sports: Field Hockey
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Lily Drijftholt, a 16-year-old field hockey player from the Netherlands living in Amsterdam. From the first moment Lily stepped onto the field hockey field, she immediately fell in love. It has always been her dream to play for the national team of the Netherlands. She even started playing field hockey every day for a period of time before she had to go to school to get better at the sport.

What makes Lily special as a person is that she is very sociable and positive. She likes to laugh, chat and create a good atmosphere. She also enjoys meeting new people.

What really sets Lily apart as an athlete is her ball control and technique. But Lily can also stay calm under pressure and cheer up and motivate her teammates. Lily is also good at shooting at goal and loves responsibility on the field.

In the future, Lily hopes to grow in the United States both as an athlete and as a person. She knows she can get even better and learn even more. Lily is convinced that America is the place to showcase herself. Before Lily starts a full time career, she wants to have an unforgettable experience studying, meeting new people and playing the sport she loves most in America.

“I always give 100 percent and I love seeing my teammates improve.”

Lily Drijftholt

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

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

Sport: Men’s Tennis
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Eelco Leenders, a tennis player from the Netherlands aged 17, living in Rosmalen. He discovered his passion for tennis at an early age. He grew up in an environment where hard work, discipline and respect are important values, both on and off the tennis court. He started playing tennis because he likes to challenge himself physically and immediately fell in love with the strategic aspect of the game. For him, tennis is more than a sport. It is a lifestyle and a way to constantly push his own limits.

What makes Eelco special as a person is his drive, focus and eagerness to learn. He sets high standards for himself, but sees mistakes as an opportunity to grow. He has a positive attitude and gets energy from helping others reach their full potential as well.

What really sets Eelco apart as an athlete is that he is mentally strong, resilient and constantly driven to get better. He never gives up, even when the going gets tough, and actually thrives under pressure. His work ethic and consistency make him a reliable and valuable team player. He is always open to feedback and critically analyzes his game to improve his performance.

In the future, Eelco hopes to further develop his skills in America, both as a tennis player, student and as a person. He wants to challenge himself every day, learn from coaches and teammates, and prepare for the next step in his tennis career and life. In the long run, he dreams of pursuing his passion for tennis, whether as a player, coach or in another role within the sports world. He wants to inspire others to never give up and always keep working hard, and he ultimately wants to give something back to the sport that has brought him so much.

“I want to inspire others to never give up and always work hard, even when things get tough.”

Eelco Leenders

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

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

Sport: Men’s Golf
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Freek Ruzius, an 18-year-old Golfer from the Netherlands, living in a small town called Doesburg. Freek has been passionate about sports from a young age. He played soccer for more than eight years, but at the age of 13 he discovered golf, inspired by his father and brother. He immediately fell for the sport and chose without hesitation to leave his soccer career behind. Meanwhile, more than five years later, he has made significant progress in his golf career and was recently selected for GolftTON, a national development program for young, talented golfers.

What makes Freek special as a person is that he is sociable, positive and easy-going. He loves meeting new people and gets energy from being part of a team. His perseverance and determination help him stand out both in sports and at school.

What really sets Freek apart as an athlete is that he has a strong mindset, consistency and drive to continuously improve himself. He combines his technical skills with a positive attitude, making him a valuable team player. He contributes not only with his performance, but also with energy, motivation and a constructive team mentality.

In the future, Freek hopes to further develop his skills in America, both as a golfer and as a person. He wants to compete with high-level college golfers and do his part for the team both on and off the course. His life goal is simple: to be happy and do what gives him satisfaction. College golf offers him the perfect environment to further develop his talents, have fun, and make a positive impact on his team.

“I want to play against high level college golfers and contribute to the team.”

Freek Ruzius

Would you like to see more from Freek? Watch the video below where he introduces himself.

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

Sports: Field Hockey
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Annabel Halkes, a 17-year-old field hockey star from the Netherlands, living in Haarlem. She started playing field hockey at age six, inspired by her older sister, and became a goalie at age 11. She has always played on the first team and also often filled in for older teams when needed. In the under-16, she was named MVP because of her crucial role for the team. The following season she and her team became first division champions, averaging less than one goal every two games. These achievements gave her the opportunity to make selection for the Dutch under-18 team.

What makes Annabel special as a person is that she is sociable, energetic and caring. She values the people around her and is known as someone to whom others go for advice or a listening ear.

What really sets Annabel apart as an athlete is her tremendous dedication and discipline. She currently trains eight times a week and travels fourteen hours weekly by train to play. She is known as a true team player with strong motivational and leadership skills. With her humor, positive energy and creative approach, she not only brings quality to the field, but also a strong team mentality and motivation to her fellow players.

In the future, Annabel hopes to further develop her skills as a student-athlete in the United States. She wants to continue to improve herself athletically and academically, build international contacts and grow as a person.

“I train eight times a week and travel 14 hours a week by train just to play field field hockey.”

Annabel Halkes

Would you like to see more from Annabel? Check out the video below introducing himself.

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

Sports: Women’s Water Polo
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Eva Groen, a 15-year-old water polo player from the Netherlands, living in Ede. Eva started playing water polo because her parents also played it. At the age of five she started training and at the age of seven she started playing matches. Five years ago she made the switch to a higher level at Polar Bears. When she was younger, she participated in many different sports: horseback riding, field hockey, dancing and water polo. When she could no longer combine everything, she chose water polo, to become a better athlete and a better person, and to be able to train more hours. She still rides horses as a hobby, to relax.

What makes Eva special as a person is her ability to adapt quickly. She knows well what she needs, both as a person and as an athlete. She is very social, but also independent and can take good care of herself.

What really sets Eva apart as an athlete is that she learns and develops quickly. As a result, she is a true team player who gets more energy from giving an assist than scoring a goal. Because she has played in older age classes, she has learned to play at different positions. Her strong point is defending, and she is good at the tactical game.

In the future, Eva hopes to focus in America on her own development as an athlete and as a person. She wants to become a better water polo player and get to know herself even better. She also wants to begin her undergraduate studies. Eva’s life goal is to become a better version of herself. She wants to keep learning, developing and discovering where her limits are.

“I’m a true team player who gains more energy from giving the assist than scoring the goal myself.”

Eva Green

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

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

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

This is Noa Schouten, an athlete from the Netherlands aged 19, living in Apeldoorn. Her passion for athletics began at the age of two, when she put pillows on the ground, jumped over them and told her parents that she wanted to jump over hurdles later. Her parents supported her from the beginning, and at the age of six she started track & field. Soon she discovered she didn’t like long distances and specialized in sprints and hurdles. When the hurdles group stopped, she focused entirely on sprints and continued to develop her skills.

What makes Noa special as a person is her ability to connect with others and her enthusiastic, open personality. She strives to be the best version of herself, not only as an athlete, but also as a person. She has learned to push through difficult periods, make healthier choices and consistently work on her personal and athletic development.

What really sets Noa apart as an athlete is her tremendous drive, perseverance and determination. She has experience with setbacks, such as injuries that threw her back nearly two years, but she has learned the importance of persevering and coming back stronger. Noah gets motivation from improving her performance and training with a team that supports her, while always encouraging others and being a positive team player herself.

In the future, Noa hopes to further develop her speed and technique in America with the right coach and a motivated team. She wants to perform at her best, follow her passions, and be able to look back on a life where she got everything out of her sport and studies. Her goal is to get the most out of herself, enjoy the team process and make memories that she can look back on later with pride.

“I strive to become the best version of myself, not only as an athlete, but also as a person.”

Noa Schouten

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

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

Sports: Men’s Volleyball
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Emiel Noomen, an 18-year-old volleyball player from the Netherlands, living in Amsterdam. Emiel has been playing his entire volleyball career at US Amsterdam as an opposite. He started playing volleyball because both his parents did it and because he and a friend were looking for a new sport. After a trial training they liked volleyball the most.

What makes Emiel special as a person is that he is reliable, sociale and helpful. This makes him a good team player, both at school and on the court.

What really sets Emiel apart as an athlete is that he can be coached well and blocks are his strength because of his height.

In the future, Emiel hopes to learn more about the culture in America and experience what it is like to combine volleyball and study in a way that is not possible in the Netherlands. Emiel’s life goal is to play volleyball as high as possible and to keep this up for as long as possible.

“I’m a hardworking, disciplined player who always puts the team above himself.”

Emiel Noomen

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

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

Sports: Field Hockey
Entry semester: Fall 2027

This is Philippine Ligthart, a 17-year-old field hockey player from the Netherlands, living in The Hague. Philippine started playing field hockey when she was three years old. She learned to play field hockey at a technical field hockey school called Panasj. When she was seven, she joined the club HBS Craeyenhout, a fairly small club, which soon got her into the first team. At fifteen, she decided she wanted to play at a higher level and started at HDM in 2022, where she learned and grew a lot. Until now, she has always played on the first team and has won several national titles. She also played for the district team for two years.

What makes Philippine special as a person is that she always cares for others. She is very kind and helpful and can easily assess how someone is feeling.

What really sets Philippine apart as an athlete is that she is an all-around player. She is good at attacking and defending; therefore, she plays as a midfielder, which is also her favorite spot on the field. She enjoys coaching her team and loves a challenge to get the best out of herself and her team. She is very driven to be the best and to push her limits.

In the future, Philippine hopes to discover the country and sports culture in America. She wants to experience what it is like to combine high-level sports and school. Ultimately, she especially wants to win with her team. Philippine’s life goal is to make a difference, be a happy person and do things she loves.

“I’m driven to be the best and to push my boundaries.”

Philippine Ligthart

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

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

Sports: Men’s Tennis
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Doeke van Kooten, a tennis player from the Netherlands aged 17, living in Enschede. Doeke grew up playing different sports. At age four he started playing field hockey, and he also played rugby for a while. At eight he started playing tennis, which is now his biggest passion. In the past year he has thrown himself fully into tennis, and he finds it more and more enjoyable every day.

What makes Doeke special as a person is that he is disciplined, positive and driven. He constantly wants to improve, not only in sports, but in everything he does. Outside of sports, he is an active person who enjoys spending time with his friends and likes to challenge himself.

What really sets Doeke apart as an athlete is that he is fit, has quick actions and can put a lot of spin on the ball. His greatest strength is his mentality: he never gives up and loves competition. He also derives pride from his work ethic and is motivated to constantly get better.

In the future, Doeke hopes to grow both academically and athletically. He wants to play tennis at the highest level possible, make the most of the opportunities schools have to offer him and contribute to the team. He dreams of playing tennis at the highest level, always staying fit and gaining valuable foreign experience. Outside of sports, he also hopes to start his own business.

“I dream of continuing to play at the highest level, staying fit for life, and gaining valuable international experiences.”

Doeke van Kooten

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

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

Sports: Men’s Swimming
Entry semester: Fall 2027

This is Adriaan Coppelmans, a 16-year-old swimmer from the Netherlands, living in Woubrugge. Adriaan moved to Sint Maarten when he was eight years old where he also started swimming. When he joined the club in the village where he lived and was introduced to competitive swimming, Adriaan swam all distances. Even he swam short triathlons and open water races. When they moved back to the Netherlands in 2021, the first thing Adriaan did was to approach a swim team coach.

What makes Adriaan special as a person is that he is always cheerful and energetic. He also makes sure to do everything he can to achieve his dreams.

What really sets Adriaan apart as an athlete is that he always works hard and radiates positive energy. With these traits, he is a good athlete, and can only get better.

In the future, Adriaan hopes to get better as a swimmer in America so he can compete on the highest possible stage, the Olympics. He also believes it is important to live a healthy and active life. Adriaan will bring a strong mentality and good energy as qualities to his future team. He will also do everything he can to score points for his team. Adriaan will go all out in America and he is sure that it will be an unforgettable experience.

” My dream is to be able to compete at the highest level, the Olympics. “

Adriaan Coppelmans

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

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

Sports: Men’s Tennis
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Martijn van der Pol, a tennis player from the Netherlands aged 18, living in Aalsmeer. Martijn used to start playing soccer, but soon started combining that with tennis. When he had to make a choice due to school he chose tennis. Since that choice Martijn has started training three or four times a week to get a better technique and get better at the sport.

What makes Martijn special as a person is his open mindset. He is always open to learning new things and does not deter himself from doing something when he thinks he cannot do it.

What really sets Martijn apart as an athlete is that he is fast and not very injury prone. In fact, Martijn has never had an injury.

In the future, Martijn hopes to get better as tennis players in America by playing a lot. He also hopes to achieve a lot by getting the best possible results in matches. Martijn’s life goal is to stay physically, as well as mentally healthy and to build a career in sports or sports management. He is ready to bring a lot of energy to his new team and help the team grow to get the best results out of it.

” I am ready to bring a lot of energy to the team and help the team grow to get the best results possible. “

Martijn van der Pol

Would you like to see more from Martijn? Watch the video below where he introduces himself.

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

Sports: Men’s Tennis
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Wout van Duysen, a 17-year-old tennis player from Belgium, living in a village near Ghent. Wout comes from a real sports family. Because his parents both played tennis, Wout started playing tennis. When he was six years old he started playing tennis at a club in his village, but by the time he was nine he had already moved to a better club.

What makes Wout special as a person is that he is open-minded and curious to learn more. Wout also enjoys meeting new people and getting to know those people better.

What really sets Wout apart as an athlete is that he will never give up and will always give one hundred percent of himself. He also knows what his weaknesses are and is constantly improving in them. Wout’s quick footwork and offensive game is what makes him the most dangerous.

In the future, Wout hopes to get better as a tennis player in America but also to develop as a person. He thinks the college program in America will be perfect for this. Wout’s ambition after college is to keep playing tennis as high as possible. Because he is a real team player, he will be of added value in his future team. A mutual competition with teammates always motivates Wout. Still, there is one thing that should not be missing from Wout when he is in America, and that is fun!

” My ambition after college is to keep playing highlevel tennis while building a successful career. “

Wout van Duysen

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

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

Sports: Women’s Volleyball
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Marit Toes, an 18-year-old volleyball player from the Netherlands, living in Alblasserdam. Marit started playing volleyball when she was eight years old, but then also played field hockey, tennis, ballet and judo. A real sports fanatic. Still, Marit’s passion lay with volleyball. She played at several clubs and now plays at Sliedrecht Sport.

What makes Marit special as a person is that she is social, kind and driven. She makes friends quickly and supports her friends and family in everything they need Marit for.

What really sets Marit apart as an athlete is that she always works hard, is athletic and has good endurance. Marit works as hard as she can and the harder she trains, the more fun she has.

In the future, Marit hopes to get better as a volleyball player in America, both physically and mentally. The intensity of the American sports coaches seems very nice to her. Marit’s life goal is to get as much out of volleyball as possible. She would also like to become an entrepreneur and live in America or Spain. To Marit’s future team she will add a lot of energy and humor, but she will also show her passion and will to grow.

” Improving in my sport is my number one goal. “

Marit Toes

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

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

Sports: Men’s Tennis
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Casper de Beijer, a tennis player from the Netherlands aged 17, living in Wassenaar. Casper used to play hockey, soccer, take boxing lessons and kickboxing. He even once won a national championship with his school team in swimming. So you would say he is a sporty boy, but this was not yet the case because currently Casper practices Mutai and plays his favorite sport, tennis.

What makes Casper special as a person is winner’s mentality. That makes him always push himself to the limit. Also, Casper is very sociable and concerned with working together within the team. He enjoys motivating others and creating a good atmosphere.

What really sets Casper apart as an athlete is that he will never give up and is very good to coach. Casper quickly figures out how that is how his opponents play. Therefore, with that quality, he is very strong in winning difficult matches.

In the future, Casper hopes to get better as a tennis player in America but also discover the culture. Casper is sure that an adventure in America will help him build an international career. Not only in sports, but also in his professional life afterwards. Casper’s goal is to be successful both on and off the court.

” Going to United States represents a key step in my development. “

Casper de Beijer

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