In this interview, you will learn more about the experiences of Slamstox footballer Berend Heijmans as a student-athlete in America! Berend has been playing football for years and made the transition to the United States in the summer of 2022. Through Allen County Community College, he has ended up at Adam State University. A prestigious university in the state of Colorado, where he balances college soccer with his studies. Want to know more? Read below!

Let’s start at the beginning, could you please introduce yourself briefly?
Hi, I’m Berend, I’m 21 years old, from Bussum, the Netherlands, and currently, I’m a student-athlete at Adams State University. I play in the soccer team that is currently competing in the RMAC NCAA D2.

Where did you play before coming to America?
Before coming to America, I played at SDO Bussum and I went through the selection teams there. I had been playing there since 2007. In my last years, I chose to play in a friend’s team due to reasons including COVID and my studies.

Can you tell us a bit more about your educational background?
I completed my havo (senior general secondary education) with a profile in economics and society at the Goois Lyceum in Bussum. After that, I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Administration/Economics.

Why did you choose to go to America?
I chose to come to America because I wanted to explore the world and I also wanted to combine my sport with my education. America is perfect for that, and I have absolutely no regrets about it!

Why did you choose Allen County Community College for your JUCO experience?
I chose Allen because I immediately had a good connection with the coach. Since I started relatively late, it was one of my few options, but also the best one for me. However, through this experience, I’ve learned how important it is to start searching for schools early on.

Could you briefly tell me how you experienced your time there?
I found my time at Allen County CC to be one of the best periods of my life so far. The decision to travel to the other side of the world can be quite daunting, and it’s definitely tough leaving your friends and family behind for an extended period. However, I was warmly welcomed by my team and quickly made friends with guys from all over the world, spanning five different continents. I still keep in touch with all the guys, and this year, we even have a reunion planned in Vancouver, Canada.

Did JUCO help make the transition to an NCAA D2 school easier?
Absolutely, being at the JUCO level put me more in the spotlight for the coach who was interested in me, and he could also watch my games more easily since every match is recorded.

How have you experienced your time in America so far?
My time in America has been the best decision I’ve made so far, and I absolutely have no regrets. I’ve met people from all over the world and made friends for life. My first year is now behind me, and I can’t wait for the next three years and all the adventures I’m going to experience

Would you recommend other student-athletes to start at a JUCO?
I would absolutely recommend it; the level difference isn’t that significant, and it can also be a more cost-effective option than going straight to a four-year university. Additionally, during your time at a JUCO, you can more easily catch the attention of those four-year universities. Ultimately, it’s possible that it could be more affordable due to the potential for both academic and athletic scholarships.

What does an average day look like for you?
During the last semester at Adams State University, my days looked something like this on average:

  • Wake up at 5:00, have breakfast, get dressed, etc.
  • Walk to the locker room and then to the bubble (indoor soccer complex) by 5:40.
  • Training from 6:00 to 7:30.
  • After training, shower, and then I had classes from 9:00 to 12:00.
  • Lunch in the cafeteria, then team workout in the weight room at 1:00. After the workout, I’d shower again and take a short afternoon nap from 3:00 to 5:00.
  • Then it’s time for homework, dinner, and I try to go to bed early because I have to wake up at 5:00 again the next day!

How do you envision the coming years? What are your goals?
In the upcoming years, I aim to play many matches in the RMAC and strive to become a Conference champion. Additionally, I want to achieve good grades in school and pursue a minor in coaching soccer. My university offers these types of minors, and I find it exciting to have the option to become a coach in the future.

Do you have any advice for other student-athletes considering playing sports and studying in America?
Start as early as possible and focus heavily on admission tests like SAT and DuoLingo scores. Ensure that you present yourself well to various coaches. Moreover, by actively engaging in the process and conducting your own research, you can greatly assist yourself. This way, you can ultimately make the best choice for yourself.

Like Berend, do you also want to combine your sport and studies with college soccer in America? Fill out this form without any obligation, and we would be happy to get in touch to discuss your possibilities.