Name: Tessa Overgoor
Born: Oct. 18, 2006
Sport: Field Hockey
University: University at Albany
Placed: Fall 2024

Tessa Overgoor is a fine example of talent, loyalty and ambition. Although she was known as a talented player, Tessa remained loyal to her local club. At the same time, there had long been a desire to take her field hockey career and studies to the next level. That ambition eventually brought her to the United States, where she now studies and plays field hockey at the University at Albany.

Ambition from the beginning

After finishing her VWO, Tessa had clear goals: play at the highest level, receive a sports scholarship , combine study and sports and gain international experience. However, the road to this also had challenges. The time pressure in the process, the distance from family and the choice between several universities made the journey intense. Still, Tessa remained determined to make the right choice for her future.

From introduction to rapid breakthrough

The process with Slamstox began with an initial meeting at the Foreign Exchange in November. This was followed by further introductions at the Showcase, where the process gained momentum. Thanks to a strong video from the Showcase and initial interest from U.S. universities, Tessa was able to move quickly with good programs. In the end, she was faced with a difficult but important choice: a university with a higher level of field hockey where she really had to fight for playing time, or a program where she would be among the top of the team faster. Tessa deliberately chose the challenge.

Playing field hockey in America

At the University at Albany, Tessa found that switching to the American system took some getting used to at first. The level and physical intensity required adjustment, and her first year of field hockey was not always easy technically. She had to fight for her minutes, but that very thing made her stronger. By now she feels completely at home and likes it so much that she decided to stay another year.

Tessa receives a full scholarship, allowing her to perfectly combine her studies and top sport. The balance between academy and field hockey fits well with her ambitions and makes her American adventure a great success. For Tessa, this is the ideal environment to further develop both athletically and personally.

The Role of Slamstox

Slamstox’s guidance played a crucial role in the process. By monitoring the timeline, shifting gears quickly and maintaining personal contact, the process remained manageable and efficient. Slamstox supported with advice on scholarships and universities and also took the negotiations with coaches off their hands. This gave Tessa and her parents confidence and peace of mind.

“After a nice first meeting at the Foreign Exchange in Utrecht, the ball started rolling. Because of the short reaction time and the swift action of Slamstox, our daughter Tessa could still participate in the showcase at Oranje Rood. An adventure in itself. With periodic video calls and weekly updates, everything remained clear. The cooperation with Slamstox was perfect and led to placement at a great university with a super field hockey program.”

Bella Overgoor, mother Tessa

An inspiring journey

Tessa Overgoor shows that staying loyal to your club and at the same time daring to dream big can go hand in hand. With perseverance, the right choices and professional guidance, she achieved her goals: a full scholarship and the perfect combination of study and top sport in America. Her story inspires other young field hockey players to also consider this step.

Do you want to play field hockey and study in America like Tessa?