Slamstox helps students combine their passion for sports with studying at top universities in Europe! Do you dream of studying in Scotland or in the middle of Rome, for example, while continuing to play sports at a high level?

Playing sports and studying at a boarding school in America is a great step for students who do not yet want to or cannot go to college. Enjoy American facilities and intense sports culture as a gap year, or to best prepare for your college adventure.

Slamstox helps returning student-athletes take the first step in their social careers because student-athletes are mega interesting for the Dutch job market. Check out our collaborations or contact us to see what we can do for you in your career!

Want to boost your professional sports career? Slamstox helps athletes with marketing, commercial contracts and sponsorships. From NIL deals to partnerships. Together we build your branding as an athlete.

Ones to watch – Men’s Volleyball Season 2026

The college sports season is back in full swing as the Spring semester has begun. And also on the volleyball courts in America, our own Slamstox toppers are ready to shine. Spread across several universities, they are showing how strength, technique and mentality come together at a high level.

In this article, we highlight some volleyball players who we expect to make great strides this season and play important roles on their teams. Wondering who these are? Read on quickly!

Axel van Baars

University: Lincoln Memorial University
Year: Senior
Division/Conference: NCAA / Independent

Axel van Baars is a physically very strong and explosive attacker who competes for Lincoln Memorial University. Since coming to Lincoln Memorial, he managed to win the conference every season with his team. With his experience, strength and mentality, we expect Axel to play a contributing role on the team this year as well. He is ready to give everything in his last year in America.

Thijs van der Wal

University: Emmanuel University
Year: Sophomore
Division/Conference: NCAA/Conference Carolinas

Thijs van der Wal begins his second season at Emmanuel University. Thijs is known for his steady passing, strong offense and game insight. Not for nothing, he was already named one of the most decisive players last year by his coach and is seen as one of the important players this year as well.

We have every confidence that Thijs will take further steps in his development at Emmanuel this season and can show great things.

Lucca Stoelinga

University: Morningside College
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NAIA / Great Plains Conference

Lucca Stoelinga begins his college adventure at Morningside College this season. A setter, Lucca is versatile and can also perform as an attacker, giving his team additional offensive options.

His greatest strength is his rapid development: when Lucca sets a goal, he works tirelessly to achieve it. With multiple national titles and victories at international tournaments, we expect Lucca to quickly adapt to the college level and become a valuable link within the team. In any case, his coach already has full confidence in the Dutch playmaker as well.

Xander Bomert

University: University of Charleston
Year: Sophomore
Division/Conference: NCAA/Conference Carolinas

Before leaving for America, Xander Bomert played in the Dutch premier league and was part of the Dutch U19 National Team. Xander is known for his explosiveness, timing and impressive attacking height. During his freshman season at Charleston, he immediately showed his value with 208 kills and a season record 28 kills in one match. His power jump serve, blocking ability and offensive variety make him a constant threat to opponents. Not for nothing do his coach and team praise him.

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