Name: Lotje Aalderink

Born: May 13, 2005
Sports: Hockey
School: Viriginia Commonwealth University

Placed: Fall 2024

Next step

Lotje Aalderink always knew she wanted to combine her passion for field hockey with an academic challenge in the United States. After years of playing at a high level at Upward and later at Bemmel Womens 1, she was ready for the next step. Her strong basic skills, tactical insight and leadership made her a valuable player on the field. With the ambition to gain international experience and play at the highest level, she teamed up with Slamstox to find the perfect university.

A challenging process

The journey toward America was not without challenges. Lotje knew well what she wanted, but finding the right options was initially difficult. In addition, contact with coaches was slower than hoped for, and the time pressure increased. Eventually, Slamstox put her in touch with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). VCU’s coach even came to the Netherlands to see her in person, after which the choice was quickly made.

An additional hurdle on her way to America was her final exams. When she failed this, her dream seemed momentarily further away than ever. Thanks to the guidance of Slamstox, which helped with advice and mediation, Lotje was still able to make the transition to VCU via a General Educational Development (GED) diploma.

The perfect match

At VCU, Lotje found everything she was looking for: an ambitious and positive field hockey environment, a strong academic direction and a team in which she felt right at home. Her adjustment period in America went smoothly, and she is now making lots of playing minutes on the varsity team. Her combination of technical talent, tactical insight and strong team mentality makes her an important player within the team.

The role of Slamstox

The contact between Lotje, her family and Slamstox made the process unique. Despite the challenges, there was always trust and openness, which allowed for quick switching when needed. Thanks to the close cooperation and connections within Slamstox’s network, Lotje eventually found her perfect place at VCU.

A Successful Future

With her strong drive and perseverance, Lotje has secured her place in America. Her story shows that with the right determination, even unexpected obstacles can be accomplished. Lotje has now a solid foundation for a successful sports and study career in the United States.

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