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.