Fantastic news from Zeist: Lieske Carleer, former Slamstox student-athlete and FC Twente defender, has been called up for the Orange Lionesses for the first time!

The former Arizona State University (ASU) player is part of the selection of national coach Arjan Veurink, who recently assembled his first group for the practice internationals against Poland and Canada. A great step in the career of Lieske, who once left for America via Slamstox to combine her athletic and academic dreams.

From college soccer to the National team

Lieske’s route is a great example of how the student-athlete experience opens doors.
In 2019, she left through Slamstox for Arizona State University, where she spent four seasons as a central defender with the Sun Devils. There, she developed into one of the best defenders in the Pac-12 Conference and was awarded an Academic Honor Roll Award three times, an achievement that shows she excelled both on and off the court.

With that experience in her pocket, she returned to the Netherlands in 2023, where she signed a professional contract with FC Twente Vrouwen. Her first season could hardly have gone better: national champion, cup winner and now a call-up for the Dutch national team.

A crowning achievement

The step to the National team is the ultimate reward for years of hard work. Lieke shows that an adventure in America is not the end point, but can actually be a springboard to the top of Dutch soccer.

Her story underscores the power of the college soccer track:

• Gain international experience at the highest university level
• Academic and personal growth
• Returning as a more complete athlete with a unique background

Pride at Slamstox

At Slamstox, we are extremely proud to see that Lieske, one of our first female soccer players at a top university like ASU, is now part of the Orange squad. At the time, Lieske chose an adventure in the United States; far away from home, but full of opportunities to grow, learn and excel. That she now, after her time as Sun Devil, with a degree and international experience in her backpack, belongs to the national selection makes us incredibly proud.

Do you dream of such a trajectory?

Like Lieske, do you want to discover the world, study at a top university in America and develop yourself athletically?
At Slamstox, we’d love to help you get started. Fill out the no-obligation introductory form on our website and find out what your options are as a student-athlete in the United States!