Name: Janne Stoetzer

Born: 22 Mar. 2006
Sports: Field Hockey
School: University of Delaware

Placed: Fall 2024

Ambition as a common thread

Janne Stoetzer is a fast and focused attacker, and in recent years played at the highest youth level in the Netherlands: National/Super. Her field hockey career started at a smaller club, but because she wanted to get more out of her sport, she made the move to NMHC Nijmegen. There she immediately stood out: she was selected for the highest team in her age category and made her ambitions come true.

Her talent did not get unnoticed outside the club either: she was selected for the U14 and U15 regional teams, where she trained with the best players of her age.

Delaware: more than a dream

When Janne applied to Slamstox, she had a clear goal in mind: she wanted to get an athletic scholarship, combine studying and field hockey, gain international experience and most of all, have fun with her sport. One university immediately jumped out at her: the University of Delaware. Through player Berber Bakermans – who previously went to Delaware through Slamstox – she already knew the story and the atmosphere of the school. It seemed like the perfect place.

Still, contact with Delaware was initially difficult. While other good options presented themselves, Janne held out hope. Just when she had almost decided on another university, the long-awaited message came: Delaware was interested after all. After one interview Janne knew for sure: this was her chance. That same weekend she made her decision and committed herself to her dream school. The circle was complete.

A strong start in America

Of course, the transition to the American system took some getting used to. New culture, a different school system and quite a few miles from home. Homesickness played a role in the beginning, but Janne soon showed her worth. On the field, things moved quickly: her team became CAA champions, and she was also elected to the CAA All-Rookie Team – a remarkable achievement for a freshman.

She also grew off the field, both academically and personally. The balance between sports and studies proved to be exactly what she was looking for.

Collaboration with Slamstox

Throughout this process, Slamstox was by her side. We helped Janne find a suitable university, supported her in communicating with coaches, and thought along in the administrative process. Because the process was under considerable time pressure, it was important to move quickly. The personal contact played a major role in this.

Her father, Michiel Stoetzer, summarized the guidance as follows:
“Excellent guidance for our daughter who is now studying and playing field hockey in the US. The coach from Slamstox was easy to reach, helpful, clearly had practical experience, kept a good overview and gave timely notice when things needed to be done. Very nice with a daughter in her final exam year.”

An experience never to be forgotten

Although Janne finally decided to return to the Netherlands after one year, she looks back on a special period. She was able to fulfill her dream, got a lot of playing minutes, won prizes and developed herself – as an athlete and as a person. Her story is proof that perseverance, staying positive and dreaming can get you really far.

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