The 2025 college field field hockey season is about to begin and also this year we look ahead to some of our Dutch top players who are active in America. With their hard work, dedication and exceptional talent they have already made a big impression and this season they will again be of great value to their teams. Also, be sure to check out our ones to watch girls from last year.
From menacing attacks to indispensable defensive actions, these players show what it means to combine their sport at the highest college level with studying. In this article, we spotlight seven field hockey players.
Fréderique van Cleef
University: University of Iowa
Year: Graduate Student
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I – Big Ten
Fréderique enters her first season at Iowa, as a master’s student. With the valuable experience she gained in the Dutch Overgangsklasse, she brings speed, energy and purpose to the Big Ten – one of the strongest conferences in college field hockey. As such, we expect Fréderique to provide plenty of threat and goals this year.
Anouk Westerink
University: Towson University
Year: Sophomore
Division/Conference: NCAA Division I – CAA
Towson’s tall striker impressed with her offensive prowess last year. She was immediately awarded a spot on the All-CAA First Team. This season Anouk will again provide danger in the circle and with her scoring ability she is an absolute key player for Towson.
Marith Bijkerk
University: Saint Joseph’s University
Year: Graduate Student
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I – A10
Marith made an impact at Saint Joseph’s last year. She helped her team to the national championship finals for the first time in history. A reliable key post on defense and with an All-A10 Second Team selection behind her name, she will be leaned on even more this season with a younger team.
Lauren Point
University: Lander University
Year: Senior
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division II – SAC
Lauren begins her fourth and final season at Lander. She has been a great value in recent years, but this season her leadership will take center stage. Her coach praises her ability to make the team play better and bring it together. That she earned an All-SAC Second Team selection last year further emphasizes her important role.
Victoria Collee
University: Yale University
Year: Sophomore
Conference: NCAA Division I – Ivy League
In just one year, Victoria has developed into a contributing force at Yale. According to her coach, she makes the players around her play better and can determine the momentum of a game with her play. She was rewarded last year with a spot on the All-Ivy Second Team. A player to keep a sharp eye on this season.
Mijntje Hagen
University: Indiana University
Year: Sophomore
Conference: NCAA Division I – Big Ten
Mijntje had a strong first year at Indiana, where she made many minutes at different positions. She also showed her scoring ability with several goals. Her development in the spring season bodes well: this season she can play an even more important role for her team in the always competitive Big Ten.
Ella Franks
University: UC Davis
Year: Junior
Conference: NCAA Division I – Big West
Ella has developed into an indispensable force at UC Davis in two years. She made the switch from forward to midfield, which has only made her more valuable. This season, more is expected of her leadership, both on and off the field.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to these seven top players, there are of course many more Dutch field hockey players who shine in the U.S. Think of: Dionne van Aalsum (Iowa), Suus Broers (ODU), Eva Kluskens (Boston College), Lieke Leeggangers (Syracuse), Pien Prins (Uconn), Frederique Grimbergen (App State), Saar Prins (Lynchburg), Bo Martina (Providence)
These players demonstrate the high level of Dutch talent in America. Their achievements on the field are the result of years of dedication and hard work. We are extremely proud of them and can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store! But of course, we are just as proud of all our other field hockey toppers. Want to stay up to date on the achievements of all our field hockey girls? Then be sure to follow us on the socials.
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