In this article, we’ll tell you more about student-athlete Jill van der Velden. At the bottom, you’ll also find a video in which Jill talks more about herself.

Sport: Women’s Water Polo
Entry semester: Fall 2027

This is Jill van der Velden, a passionate and physically strong water polo player from the Netherlands. Before she discovered her passion for water polo, she played field hockey. When her sister started playing water polo, Jill decided to give it a try herself. She soon realized that this sport was a perfect fit for her, and her enthusiasm for water polo grew.

Jill now plays for VZV Njord at the Eredivisie level and combines this with training sessions at PSV. She is constantly looking for ways to further develop herself and make the most of her talents. The choices she makes are therefore entirely driven by her ambition to reach the highest possible level.

What makes Jill special is her discipline and motivation. For example, her parents never had to wake her up for a morning workout; Jill was always ready on her own to train and give it her all.

Jill believes that hard work, consistency, and passion are the keys to success. She is also very sociable and enjoys working with her team. At the same time, she is independent and knows when to take responsibility on her own.

While in the United States, Jill wants to focus primarily on building her strength, speed, and explosiveness. She is looking for an environment where she can continue to grow through a professional strength and conditioning program while also improving her finishing skills from the center position. Her goal is to grow as both an athlete and a student.

“I want to become faster, stronger, and more explosive, while developing into a more well-rounded center forward and competing at the highest possible level.” – Jill van der Velden

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