The College Soccer season has kicked off once again, and this year we’re once more turning our attention to some of our Dutch talents who are chasing their dreams in America! With their discipline, passion, and technical skills, they have already made quite an impression and, whether as Freshmen or as experienced players, they are set to play an important role within their teams.
From dazzling attacks to crucial defensive interventions, these footballers show what it means to combine top-level college sports with their studies. In this article, we shine the spotlight on eight Dutch soccer players.
Thomas Noordegraaf
University: UC Santa Barbara
Year: Graduate Student (Master)
Division/Conference: NCAA Division I – Big West
Thomas is starting his first season as a graduate student at UC Santa Barbara. With experience at BVV Barendrecht in the Netherlands, he brings plenty of quality to Santa Barbara through his height, speed, explosiveness, and shot. Playing both as a midfielder and a forward, Thomas has made a strong start to his new adventure in America, recording two assists in his first four matches. We expect many more to follow.
Gijs Velings
University: IU Indianapolis
Year: Senior Year
Division/Conference: NCAA Division I – Horizon League
Gijs Velings enters his Senior Year as Captain of the IU Indianapolis Jaguars. Over the past seasons, he has built a reputation as a reliable midfielder. As a Freshman, he started nearly every match, and in the 2024 season, he was one of the few players to start every game from kickoff. Gijs is the kind of midfielder every coach wants on their team. With his willingness to put in the hard work, his performances, and his leadership, he has emerged as the leader for the upcoming season.
Maarten Schouten
University: Bethel University
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NAIA – NCCAA
This year, Maarten Schouten defends the goal as a Freshman at Bethel University in Indiana. Hailing from Arnhem, Maarten came through the youth academy of NEC Nijmegen, where he eventually trained with the first team under the guidance of, among others, Jasper Cillessen. In addition, he spent a year at Top Oss, where he had the opportunity to gain experience at Keuken Kampioen Divisie level. In doing so, Maarten built a strong and unique foundation for his adventure in America.
Jochem Ostendorp
University: Northeast Community College
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NJCAA Division II – ICCAC
This season, Jochem Ostendorp has begun his adventure at Northeast Community College in Nebraska. With experience at, among others, De Graafschap, Jochem developed into a versatile midfielder. With his excellent finishing, sharp through passes, and tactical awareness, Jochem immediately made a big impression as a Freshman with the Hawks, who were crowned ‘National Champion’ of NJCAA Division II last year. Thanks to his scoring ability, Jochem was immediately decisive with a winning goal in his second match. Definitely keep an eye on him, we expect to see a lot more from him.
Yannick Langerhuizen
University: St. Cloud University
Year: Sophomore
Division/Conference: NCAA Division II, NSIC
Yannick Langerhuizen begins his Sophomore year as a defender at St. Cloud State University. The Rotterdam native made an immediate impact in his Freshman Year, starting 16 matches right away, 11 of which he played in full, impressive statistics for a Freshman. The two-footed Yannick, with his comfort on the ball, ability to build from the back, willingness to step into midfield, and high football intelligence, has become an indispensable part of the defense at St. Cloud University.
Rob Stoop
University: William Penn University
Year: Sophomore
Division/Conference: NAIA – HAAC
Rob Stoop is entering his Sophomore Year at William Penn University. The right-footed central defender gained several years of experience in the Willem II youth academy in Tilburg. With his defensive skills, strength in duels, ability to build from the back, and heading expertise, Rob has proven himself a reliable and solid presence in the team’s back line. After losing the final in last year’s ‘national tournament’, Rob and his team are determined to make a push for the title this year.
Emma Brilleman
University: Northeast Community College
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NJCAA Division II – ICCAC
Emma Brilleman is making her debut as a Freshman with the women’s team at Northeast Community College. The forward from Diepeveen has quickly adapted to college soccer and is already showcasing her talents in her first matches. With her speed, physical presence, and passing, she contributed two goals and three assists in her first six matches. With Emma’s qualities, we expect this will be just the beginning.
Nikki Garthoff
University: Eastern Arizona College
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NJCAA Division I – ACCAC
After her years in the first team of VDZ, it was time for Nikki Garthoff to take the next step. That step has brought her to Eastern Arizona College, where she has joined as a 19-year-old Freshman. The talented midfielder convinces the coaches of the women’s soccer team with her technique, stamina, creativity, and exceptional football intelligence. Nikki has all it takes to develop into a key midfielder and will undoubtedly make a major contribution to the future of this team.
Would you also like to combine your sport with studying in America? Then fill in the application form and discover what your possibilities are.
