The world of volleyball is developing rapidly, and more and more opportunities are arising for ambitious players to develop their talents internationally. Therefore, we are proud to announce our new collaboration with MaxAgency, a partnership that opens doors for volleyball players who want to go beyond the Dutch level.

MaxAgency

MaxAgency is a full-service sports & entertainment management agency founded in 2021 by Julie Rumes and Lot Wielfaert. With strong expertise in commercial coaching and social media, MaxAgency helps athletes identify marketing opportunities and professionally manage their image rights.
Their approach perfectly matches the needs of young volleyball players who want to grow not only athletically, but also personally.

Why college volleyball in America is so special

College volleyball in the United States is one of the fastest growing sports within the college system. Every year, thousands of talents pour into universities that have

• Professional, full-time coaches and trainers
• Top sports facilities, equipped with the latest technologies, comparable or even better than top clubs in Europe
• Large halls and massive crowds, some games draw thousands of fans
• Strong competition with high intensity
• Full-day programs combining sports, studies and physical and personal development

American universities invest millions of dollars a year in their sports programs. This creates a unique environment where talent can develop at lightning speed, physically, technically and mentally.
The level is rising every year, and more and more international players are using college volleyball as a springboard to professional competitions at home and abroad.

What this partnership means for volleyball players

With the strengths of Slamstox and MaxAgency, we offer a complete development program. Together we can guide volleyball players who really want to get the most out of their careers. Where Slamstox focuses on finding the perfect university, scholarships and the complete guidance path to America, MaxAgency adds value with expertise in the field of commercial opportunities, branding and image rights.

Together we can help talented players who aim higher than the level in the Netherlands and dream of a career at the top level. We offer an additional, unique option for girls with ambition: an international springboard that combines sporting development with professional guidance off the field.

The collaboration between Slamstox and MaxAgency is all about new opportunities. For girls who want to get beyond the Dutch competition. For athletes who want to use their potential in an environment where volleyball is really big. Are you curious what opportunities there are for you in America? Or would you like to know what this cooperation can do for you? Please feel free to contact us.

Slamstox is all about mentoring talented athletes making the move to college sports in the United States. From finding the right school to obtaining a scholarship, we are there from day one. But what happens when your college adventure is over? And you’re ready to transition into the workforce?

Even there, Slamstox is and will continue to be involved in your journey. And as part of that, we have great news. We are proud to announce a new partnership with Athletes@Work.

A powerful combination for your career

At Slamstox, we help student-athletes make their dream come true: to study and play sports in America. But after graduation comes the big question: What’s Next?

Until now, with our After College program, we already offered guidance to student-athletes returning to the Netherlands and looking for a flying start to their careers. With the addition of Athletes@Work, we greatly strengthen this route with access to a network of more than 150 companies throughout the Netherlands and specialized pathways for athletes.

Together we are creating a complete career offering for everyone returning from America:

The Slamstox After College program helps you take your first steps into the Dutch job market. And with Athletes@Work we can now offer even better customized programs, business contacts and career guidance for (former) athletes who want to discover which direction really suits them.

In short: whatever direction you choose, Slamstox remains your partner, even after college.

Why Athletes@Work?

Athletes@Work specializes in helping athletes launch their careers. They do this by:

• Providing personalized pathways to clarify interests, qualities and desired work direction.
• match athletes with companies that fit their profiles.
• helping employers find motivated, disciplined talent. Exactly what makes student-athletes unique.

Together with Athletes@Work, we form a strong network that supports athletes from first college contact to their first job in the Netherlands and well beyond.

Your adventure does not stop at the final whistle

At Slamstox, we guide you from A to Z. With our After College program and collaboration with Athletes@Work, we help you take your next step wherever your ambitions take you.

Want to know more about our partner? Then click here or learn more about our after college program as a whole.

Slamstox partners with over 2,000 universities in America. Due to the growing number of partners, clients and athletes, Slamstox is able to offer some great internship opportunities. With our after college program we focus on student-athletes who have just graduated or are about to graduate and are looking for a job. Through our program we match our student-athletes with potential new employers.

Future champions start here

Slamstox is a young, dynamic company that helps ambitious student-athletes find athletic and scholarship opportunities at universities in the United States. We also help athletes who have finished their studies in the United States find suitable jobs in the Netherlands. We get excited about everything related to college sports and are active in a variety of sports – from soccer to tennis to athletics. To grow the (national) awareness of college sports and the importance of student-athletes for Dutch companies, we are looking for an energetic intern to play an important role in this!

As an after college recruiter intern at Slamstox, you will be engaged in varied work throughout the day. This can vary from making sales calls, getting in touch with Dutch companies and connecting student-athletes to companies. Working at Slamstox means doing something different every day and never sitting still. The dynamics in the team ensure that you are busy with new tasks every day and that you can develop yourself to the max. Through the various collaborations you can quickly expand your network and come into contact with many sports-related organizations.

What are your duties?

• Approaching student-athletes
• Making sales calls
• Making contact with various Dutch companies
• Organizing events
• Updating and setting up databases
• Contact with prospects, current customers and sports companies
• Matching student-athletes with Dutch companies
• Participate in market research

What do we expect from you?

You are or have been:

• Entrepreneurial
• Positive
• Precise
• Sports
• A winner mentality

You can:

• Speak and write English well
• Flexible working
• Easy socializing

You want:

• Lots of learning
• Working hard
• Having fun
• Happy to share your opinions and (innovative) ideas

You have an edge if you are familiar with:

• Hubspot
• Sales
• Social media channels such as Instagram & LinkedIn
• Communications
• College sports

What can you expect from us?

• A 40-hour work week
• Flexible working hours
• A mega cool office in the middle of Eindhoven
• Unlimited vacation days
• A young and dynamic team
• Many networking opportunities

Do you yourself have a large network in a particular sport or specific America experience? If so, be sure to let us know!

Flexible working hours and room for your own input and initiative are standard with us. Your permanent workplace will be our office. We also like to challenge you to a game of (table) tennis, soccer, field hockey, basketball or something else!

Interested in the open position? Send an email to frederique@slamstox.com with your motivation and CV!

From February through June 2026, Slamstox is looking for a intern for a combination role between marketing and the sports departments. Slamstox partners with over 2,000 universities across America. Due to the growing number of partners, clients and athletes, Slamstox can offer some great internship vacancies. Our preference is for students looking for a collaborative internship. Curious? Check out the vacancy below!

Join Slamstox. Change the game.

Slamstox is a young, dynamic company that helps aspiring student-athletes find athletic and scholarship opportunities at universities across the United States. We get excited about everything related to college sports and are active in a variety of sports – from soccer to tennis to athletics. To further develop Slamstox’s (international) growth, we are looking, year-round, for enthusiastic and energetic interns full of ideas to join our sports marketing & communications department.

As an intern at Slamstox, you will be engaged in varied work throughout the day. With your combination role, you will form a link between both the marketing department and the various sports departments within Slamstox. You will be involved in various marketing and communication expressions, but you will also see the results directly during your work for the specific sports departments.

Working at Slamstox means doing something different every day and never do nothing. The dynamics in the team ensure that you are busy with new tasks every day and that you can develop yourself to the max.

What are your duties?

• Social Media Management
• Email and Instagram marketing
• Contact with prospects, current clients, U.S. universities and sports companies
• Video shooting + editing
• And much more…

What do we expect from you?

You are or have been:

• Entrepreneurial
• Positive
• Precise
• Sports
• A winner’s mentality
• A broad interest

You can:

• Good English speaking and writing
• Good Dutch speaking and writing
• Flexible working
• Easy socializing

You want:

• Lots of learning
• Working hard
• Having fun
• Happy to share your opinions and (innovative) ideas

You have an edge if you are familiar with:

• Hubspot
• WordPress
• Social media channels such as Instagram
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• College sports

What can you expect from us?

• A 40-hour work week
• Flexible working hours
• A mega cool office in the middle of Eindhoven
• A young and dynamic team
• Many networking opportunities
• Fun team activities
• A super good working sandwich iron 😉

Do you yourself have a large network in a particular sport or specific America experience? If so, be sure to let us know!

Flexible working hours and room for your own input and initiative are standard with us. We also like to challenge you to a game of (table) tennis, soccer, field hockey, basketball or something else!

Interested in the open position? Send an email to frederique@slamstox.com with your motivation and CV!

From February through June 2026, Slamstox is looking for a College Sports Recruiter intern! Slamstox works with over 2,000 universities across America. Due to the growing number of partners, clients and athletes, Slamstox is able to offer some great internship opportunities. Our preference is for students looking for a collaborative internship. Curious? Check out the vacancy below!

Join Slamstox. Change the Game.

Slamstox is a young, dynamic company that helps aspiring student-athletes find athletic and scholarship opportunities at universities across the United States. We get excited about everything related to college sports and are active in a variety of sports – from soccer to tennis to athletics. To further develop Slamstox’s (international) growth, we are looking, year-round, for enthusiastic and energetic interns full of ideas who want to support our college sports recruiting department.

As a college sports recruiter intern at Slamstox, you will be engaged in varied work throughout the day. This can vary from making sales calls, supervising processes of athletes and speaking to coaches at American universities. Working at Slamstox means doing something different every day and never sitting still. The dynamics in the team ensure that you are busy with new tasks every day and that you can develop yourself to the max.

If you have an interest in (college) soccer or are active in soccer yourself, good to know that we are also looking for college soccer recruiter interns specifically for next semester.

What are your duties?

• Finding potential student-athletes
• Approaching potential student-athletes
• Making sales calls
• Organizing sports events
• Contact with prospects, current customers, universities and sports companies
• Matching athletes with American universities

What do we expect from you?

You are or have been:

• Entrepreneurial
• Positive
• Precise
• Sports
• A winner’s mentality

You can:

• Good English speaking and writing
• Flexible working
• Easy socializing

You want:

• Lots of learning
• Working hard
• Having fun
• Happy to share your opinions and (innovative) ideas

You have an edge if you are familiar with:

• Sales calls
• Social media channels such as Instagram
• Hubspot
• College sports

What can you expect from us?

• A 40-hour work week
• Flexible working hours
• A mega cool office in the middle of Eindhoven
• A young and dynamic team
• Many networking opportunities
• Fun team activities
• A super good working sandwich iron 😉

Do you yourself have a large network in a particular sport or specific America experience? If so, be sure to let us know!

Flexible working hours and room for your own input and initiative are standard with us. We also like to challenge you to a game of (table) tennis, soccer, field hockey, basketball or something else!

Interested in the open position? Send an email to frederique@slamstox.com with your motivation and CV!

From February 2026 through June 2026, Slamstox is looking for a marketing & communications intern! Slamstox partners with over 2,000 universities across America. Due to the growing number of partners, clients and athletes, Slamstox is able to offer some great internship vacancies. Our preference is for students looking for a collaborative internship. Curious? Check out the vacancy below!

Join Slamstox. Change the game.

Slamstox is a young, dynamic company that helps aspiring student-athletes find athletic and scholarship opportunities at universities across the United States. We get excited about everything related to college sports and are active in a variety of sports – from soccer to tennis to athletics. To further develop Slamstox’s (international) growth, we are looking, year-round, for enthusiastic and energetic interns full of ideas to join our sports marketing & communications department.

As a marketing and communications intern at Slamstox, you’ll be busy with varied work throughout the day. This can vary from social media work to designing cool visuals. But you also think along about the latest video content ideas or support team marketing during an event.

Working at Slamstox means doing something different every day and never sitting still. The dynamics in the team ensure that every day you are busy with new tasks and that you can develop yourself to the max. Thanks to the various collaborations within our building, you can quickly expand your network and come into contact with many sports-related organizations.

What are your duties?

• Social Media Management
• Content creation & creating fat designs
• Email and Instagram marketing
• Thinking along about new marketing campaigns
• Video shooting + editing
• Participate in trend, market research and put the results into practice
• And much more…

What do we expect from you?

You are or have been:

• Entrepreneurial
• Positive
• Precise
• Sports
• A winner’s mentality

You can:

• Good English speaking and writing
• Good Dutch speaking and writing
• Flexible working
• Easy socializing

You want:

• Lots of learning
• Working hard
• Having fun
• Happy to share your opinions and (innovative) ideas

You have an edge if you are familiar with:

• WordPress
• Social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok
• Adobe Creative Cloud, programs such as premiere pro and photoshop
• College sports

What can you expect from us?

• A 40-hour work week
• Flexible working hours
• A mega cool office in the middle of Eindhoven
• A young and dynamic team
• Many networking opportunities
• Fun team activities
• A super good working sandwich iron 😉

Do you yourself have a large network in a particular sport or specific America experience? If so, be sure to let us know!

Flexible working hours and room for your own input and initiative are standard with us. We also like to challenge you to a game of (table) tennis, soccer, field hockey, basketball or something else!

Interested in the open position? Send an email to frederique@slamstox.com with your motivation and CV!

In September, I, Nienke, had the unique opportunity to travel to the United States in my role as International Student Athlete Coordinator and mentor for boarding school athletes. From September 9th to 17th, we were invited by GESP to visit several boarding schools and subsequently attend an educational conference, where schools from across the country and agents from around the world came together.

The trip began on Sept. 9 when I flew to Richmond, Virginia. From there we spent the next few days driving to Washington DC via Staunton, finally ending up near Philadelphia. Our first stop was The Christchurch School, beautifully located on the Virginia waterfront. Known for one of the best sailing programs in the country, this school made an immediate impression: a place where sports, nature and education come together seamlessly. What makes Christchurch, like all the other schools, very special is that over 70% of the staff live on campus. This means that there is always a point of contact for students, which makes for a close and safe community.

On Sept. 11, we continued our journey to Stuart Hall in Staunton. This school is located in the middle of a pleasant village, which many students find pleasant. In addition to sports, there is a lot of emphasis here on art and theater, allowing students to develop in multiple areas. An average day at Stuart Hall looks like this:

A typical day at Stuart Hall and all other schools has a distinct rhythm. The morning begins around 7:30 a.m. with a communal breakfast in the Dining Hall, after which students attend their first classes of the day. Around noon, lunch is ready, again in the Dining Hall.

After lunch, classes continue. In the mornings the focus is usually on the compulsory subjects, such as math and English, while the afternoons allow for electives. These include creative subjects such as drawing and photography, as well as practical directions such as woodworking and music lessons.

From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., sports take center stage. Students are then given the time and space to fully focus on their sport. Often this includes training on the field or court as well as strength and mental training.

Training sessions are followed by a mandatory one-hour study hall, designed to complete homework and finish the day academically. Then there is time to relax or catch up with friends, but by 10:30 all students must be back in their rooms. Around eleven o’clock the lights go out and the day comes to an end.

That same day we also visited the Blue Ridge School, an all-boys school where sports are the center of daily life. Boys from all over the world gather here with the goal of developing to the best of their ability and advancing to college with a good scholarship. We were given a tour by two Japanese boys from the baseball team and saw the impressive facilities. What was also special was that all the boys go to school in suits every day, which creates a formal and ambitious atmosphere. Blue Ridge is truly a place for athletes who are willing to give their all and work hard to achieve their goals.

On Friday we visited Springdale, a school that conjures up exactly the image you have of a typical American high school. It is a relatively small school with about 130 students, which ensures that there is a lot of personal attention. The newly renovated dorms add to the appeal. Springdale’s soccer team is still relatively new, but clearly under construction. What struck me most was the close bond between the boys and their coach – a factor of great value when you are an international student far from home. Later that afternoon, we visited the smallest school of the trip: West Nottingham Academy. With only 50 students, this almost feels like a family. Yet the school has a special asset, because everything there revolves around basketball. They even have a national basketball team, which provides a unique opportunity for young talents in that sport.

The next day was devoted to the Mainline Jamboree, a big soccer tournament at the Westtown School. Here some of the best boarding school teams in the country competed and many college coaches were on hand to scout talent. In the afternoon, I was given a tour of the Westtown campus. Like many other schools, sports play an important role here, especially soccer, but in addition there is also room for academic and technological development. For example, Westtown has a very successful robotics team that has become U.S. champions several times.

After all these school visits, it was time for the conference itself. About 50 schools were in attendance and in a sort of speed dating format we were able to meet representatives, discuss profiles of athletes and learn more about the opportunities these schools offer. It was fun to talk to schools where athletes of ours are already attending, but also inspiring to get to know new schools. Among other things, we got in touch with a school with an excellent ballet program and even one with its own ski academy.

Looking back, it was an intensive but incredibly valuable trip. It was special to see so many different schools, from small and intimate academies to larger institutions with impressive facilities. For our boarding school athletes, this means that we can advise and guide them even better in finding the right place in the US an environment where they can get the best out of themselves not only in their sport, but also as a person.

Slamstox is all about mentoring talented athletes who are making the move to college sports in the United States. From finding the right school to obtaining a scholarship, we are there from day one. But what happens when that college adventure is over?

We have something great for that: a new partnership with Northbridge.

Complete pathway for student-athletes

With Slamstox we help student-athletes make their dream come true: study and play sports in America. But for many athletes there is also the question: how can I start my career after my studies?

Until now, with our After College program we already offered guidance for student-athletes who return to the Netherlands and want to start their career at partner companies. With the addition of Northbridge we now also open the route for athletes who want to stay in the US after their studies and build their careers there.

This is how we create a complete offering:

• Slamstox will accompany you to college and during your student-athlete adventure.
• After College program helps you get a career start in the Netherlands.
• Northbridge supports you in finding a job and visa in the US.

In short: whatever route you choose, Slamstox remains your partner, even after college!

Your adventure does not stop at the final whistle

At Slamstox, we guide student-athletes from A to Z. With our After College program and our partnership with Northbridge, we’re expanding that guidance: whether you choose to pursue a career in the Netherlands or in the U.S., we’ll make sure you’re well prepared to take the next step.

Are you an international student-athlete ready for the next step in the Netherlands or America after your studies? Then take here contact us quickly!

Want to know more about our partner? Then click here!

For our girls, the 2025 college volleyball season is underway, and this year Dutch talents are also making their mark on the American leagues. With their experience, they are showing that they can play an important role in the U.S. as well. Also check out our ones to watch girls from last year.

From block power to attack power to leadership on the court, these players are proving they can make a difference. In this article, we highlight several volleyball players who are making or will make special impressions this season.

Isis Harink

University: Loyola University New Orleans
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NAIA, SSAC

Isis starts her first year at Loyola University New Orleans bang on right away. In the Netherlands, the middle blocker played in the Top Division with Dynamo Tubbergen, where she was known for her overview and keen eye on the block. In her first week in the U.S. she was already named Attacker of the Week in her conference, a rock-solid start that bodes well for the rest of the season.

Dagmar Mourits

University: University of Pittsburgh
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, ACC

Dagmar made the switch from Dynamo Apeldoorn and the Dutch youth team to one of the top programs in the US: Pittsburgh. And she impressed immediately. In her first match she was immediately in the starting line-up against powerhouse Nebraska, live on national television, and immediately played and scored points as if she had been there for years. Her coaches praise her: “Dagmar has been doing incredible and will be a starter for us when we play Nebraska tonight on national television. We love having her on this team.” A dream start for the young outside attacker.

Annerieke Nederveen

University: Tabor College
Year: Junior
Division/Conference: NAIA, KCAC

For Annerieke, this is her first year in America, but as a junior she brings a lot of experience to Tabor College. In the Netherlands, she played for Voltena, with whom she was already active at a high level. In her role as a setter, there will be much leaning on her leadership: the playmaker has to set the tempo and get her teammates in position. With her experience and age, she can immediately be of great value in Kansas.

An den Hamer

University: University of North Dakota
Year: Sophomore
Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, Summit League

After a first season at Arizona, An has chosen a new challenge at the University of North Dakota. In this different environment, she will also have new responsibilities: she will have to help the team to a higher level to compete for the awards in the conference. With her drive and versatility as an outside hitter, An is ready to show what she has to offer this season.

Honorable Mentions

Besides these toppers, there are of course many more Dutch volleyball players who shine in the U.S. Think of: Ilse Benne (Hastings College), Albertine van der Goot (UNC Asheville), Anouk van Kollenburg (Yavapai College), Elles van Kollenburg (Edinboro University of Pennsylvania), Daphne Posthumus (Western New Mexico University) and many more.

These Dutch volleyball players show how versatile and talented they are. Their achievements underline that the combination of top sport and study in the US offers unique opportunities. We are extremely proud of these girls and look forward to their development this season! But of course we are at least as proud of all our other volleyball toppers. Want to stay up to date on the achievements of all our volleyball girls? Then be sure to follow us on the socials.

Would you also like to combine your sport with studying in America? Then fill in the application form and discover what your possibilities are.

Are you planning to study and play sports in America? Are you wondering what the changes under the Trump administration mean for international students and student-athletes? And do you want to know how this will really affect your daily life as a student-athlete in the U.S.? Very logical that you have questions about this, but no worries! At Slamstox we have all the information for you in a row. In this article we will answer the question of whether it is still possible to go to the US and what life is like there. So you can prepare for your sports and study adventure in America without stress.

For this article, we spoke with several of our own athletes, American coaches AND several Slamstox colleagues shared their experiences from their last trip to America.

Arrival in America

The first thing many students worry about is customs: the moment you enter America. Normally already exciting, but what is it like now? Our athletes and colleagues are all reassuring: “With all you hear about tighter controls, I had prepared myself for a long conversation at the border. But nothing was further from the truth: they barely looked at my tourist visa and I was through the check within five minutes,” says Slamstox soccer manager Bram Kaarsgaren.

Volleyball star An den Hamer also confirms this: “Beforehand, I was quite tense about entering the country again. Since Trump has been in power, I thought it would be more difficult. But honestly, there’s not much exciting about it. They ask some standard questions, usually about what you are coming to do or study. In my case, they asked about my transfer, but that was nothing to be nervous about.”

Fortunately, we don’t hear any difficult stories from other Slamstox athletes either. Thanks to good preparation in the Netherlands, most of them enter America easily and smoothly.

Daily life on campus

A common question is what daily life on campus is like and whether it has changed under Trump. Field field hockey player Anouk Westerink, who is in her second year, says, “It’s honestly not a topic that a lot of people talk about. There are a lot of different opinions, so politics is not a prominent factor in my life here.”

She notices that Americans often avoid politics to avoid conflict: ‘”In the Netherlands we like to talk about politics, but here it’s much more about sports. Sports connects, and you notice that in daily campus life.”

So for student-athletes, campus life revolves primarily around sports and study. Politics hardly plays a role in it. In addition, many policies in America are set not at the national, but state level, so in practice universities notice little of national politics.

Slamstox founder Pedro Mol also confirms this. During his recent trip to North Carolina, a so-called “red state,” he hardly noticed any difference. At his old university UNC Wilmington, he spoke with Slamstox golf star Minouche Rooijmans: “Life on campus and with the golf team is super nice. I feel welcome everywhere and get all the support I need. There are also no changes to the team budget or sports schedule because of politics.”

Influence on the recruiting process for coaches

But what about for coaches? Sander Koning, associate head coach at Clemson University (South Carolina), explains: “We actually notice little to nothing about the current political situation. For us, working with international student-athletes is the same as before. We follow the news, but our International Services department informs us immediately if anything changes.”

He is also clear toward parents: “So far, everything is fine and we have not had a single case where a student-athlete could not come to Clemson.”

Good to know: sometimes you hear something about cuts to education budgets. But this is about general budgets, not the sports budgets from which scholarships are paid. So there are still plenty of opportunities and budgets for international players.

International players

International student-athletes remain incredibly interesting to coaches. Europeans are known as good students with a lot of discipline, who often have a positive influence on the team. This is why you see several Europeans on many teams. Coaches continue to follow their familiar recruiting process, while also taking a full look at international athletes.

All in all, then, college sports still offer tremendous opportunities for international student-athletes. As many of our own athletes say, “You don’t notice much of the political situation in everyday life on campus.” Student-athletes in America still use top-notch facilities, train in a professional environment and have the opportunity to be the best they can be, both academically and athletically.

Do you have questions about Trump’s policies and what they mean for your future as a student-athlete in the U.S.? Or would you like to learn more about how we can help you apply for an F1 student-athlete visa? Feel free to contact the team at Slamstox. We would love to help you with everything you need to successfully play college sports in America!

In this article, we tell you more about student-athlete Julien Kranenburg. Below is the video in which Julien introduces himself.

Sports: Soccer
Entry semester: Fall 2026

This is Julien Kranenburg, a 17-year-old soccer player from Amsterdam. He started playing soccer at a local club, but soon found he was looking for more of a challenge. After two years he switched to SV Ilpendam, where he now plays for the O19 and has made his debut in the first team – with an immediate goal as a result.

As a player, Julien is known for his technical skills, strong passes and good dribbles. Off the field, he is sociable, easy-going and always motivated to improve himself, both athletically and in school.

In America, Julien wants to do his best, make great memories and grow as both a person and an athlete. His ultimate dream? An international career that allows him to discover the world.

Want to get to know Julien better? Watch the video below where he introduces himself!

Are you planning to play college sports in the USA? Are you wondering what the changes under the Trump administration mean for international students and student-athletes? No worries, we at Slamstox have listed all the information for you. In this article, we answer the question of whether it is still possible to go to the U.S. despite the Trump education policy. This way you can prepare for your sports and study adventure in the USA without stress!

Can you still play college sports in the USA as an international student?

The short answer is: yes, you can still play college sports in the USA now! As an international student, you are eligible for an F1 student visa, and that remains available under the current administration. Although the Trump administration has stricter requirements for international students, little will change for those who neatly follow the visa rules.

What does the Trump administration mean for international students?

Please note that it is important to pay close attention to all the conditions of your visa, such as not working without permission. We at Slamstox are happy to help you take the right steps so you can start your college sports in the U.S. without worry.

Under Trump’s education policy, the main issue is stricter enforcement around visa applications. The visa process has become a bit more critical, but that mainly means that your documents need to be in order. Our specialists will make sure this goes smoothly so you can focus on what really matters: your sports and studies.

Are scholarships for athletes still available?

Good news for international student-athletes: scholarships just keep going, even under the new policy. American universities remain eager to invest in talented athletes from around the world. Therefore, athletic scholarships are still available, and we will help you find the right opportunities.

What does this mean for you as a student-athlete?

For international student-athletes, this means you still have plenty of opportunities in the US. As long as you follow the visa rules, you can study AND play sports at the top level at a U.S. university. The Trump administration has no direct impact on your ability to get started through athletic scholarships, and universities want nothing more than to develop your talent.

Trump’s changes: What do they mean for universities?

It’s important to note that Trump’s education policy changes are primarily impacted at the national level. Most of the universities Slamstox works with are regulated at the state level. This means that changes at the federal level will not have a major impact on the operation of these institutions.

In addition, college sports programs and budgets are regulated by the universities themselves, without much influence from the national government. So for international students and athletes, little changes. Universities continue to invest heavily in their sports programs and in attracting international talent.

Why playing college sports in America is still a great opportunity

Despite political changes, playing college sports in the USA remains a unique opportunity. International students contribute billions annually to the American economy and culture, so universities continue to invest in scholarships and programs for international talent. The U.S. remains the ideal place to further yourself academically and athletically, and at Slamstox we make sure you are optimally prepared for your adventure.

Looking for answers about Trump and studying in America?

Do you have questions about Trump’s policies and what they mean for your future as a student-athlete in the U.S.? Or would you like to learn more about how we can help you apply for an F1 student-athlete visa? Feel free to contact the team at Slamstox. We would love to help you with everything you need to successfully play college sports in America!

Taxes and tax returns, you’ve probably heard about it at school or during dinner with your parents. Most future student-athletes have never done anything with it, and no blame for that! In your home country you simply file a tax return on the income you have earned that year and you will receive a timely notification from the tax authorities. But what are the rules for student-athletes in the USA? We will tell you more about this below!

As a Student-Athlete Company, we obviously do not know all the intricacies of taxation, but we have found a solution for that: DB Tax Advisory! DB Tax Advisory is one of our partners and provides tax advice to athletes within the Dutch Eredivisie, Premier League and the ATP Tour. And since recently, Slamstox student-athletes also belong to that list, cool right? But also very important. Many student-athletes have to file a tax return on their scholarship. In addition, filing a tax return earns a student athlete an average of $750 to $1,500 in tax refunds.

The USA has different ‘tax systems’ at the Federal, State and Local levels. Most states, apart from the federal government’s tax office (IRS), also ask for income tax. This means that tax systems differ per state. Quite complicated, isn’t it? Especially with all those different systems and rules? This can sometimes complicate your tax return. But no worries, help is here! DB Tax Advisory has outlined four general, but important, aspects of the US federal tax system for student-athletes:

• A scholarship can consist of a qualified (including tuition fees, books) and non-qualified (including room and board) part;
• The qualified part of a scholarship is not subject to tax and cannot be reported;
• The non-qualified part of the scholarship is subject to 14% tax (“income tax”) and is therefore reportable;
• Taxation can be reduced to 0% by exempting in advance or reclaiming it afterwards. Exemption is done by submitting (in advance) a form intended for this purpose to the payer of the scholarship (educational institution). The excess tax withheld is reclaimed by submitting a tax return (“income tax return”) after the end of the tax year;

Do you feel like this is all still a bit complicated? Don’t worry. Florian Niesten, an athlete and tax adviser, works within the DB Tax Advisory team. Florian played field hockey at the highest level in the Netherlands and has a lot of experience with running ultra-marathons, he even ran the ‘Marathon des Sables’. For those who have not heard of it before: it is a six-day race of 254 km through the desert of Morocco. Whut ?! Yes, Florian is a hard-working champ as you all are!

Florian provides various professional athletes with tax advice and is now happy to work with student-athletes in the USA and with athletes who are at the start of their (professional) career. Do you have questions about this subject and would you like to receive advice from Florian? Click here!

Do you have another question about anything else related to student athletes or scholarships? Reach out! We will help you.