Name: Zoë van Waaijen
Born: Oct. 8, 2005
Sport: Volleyball
University: Reinhardt University
Position: Opposite hitter / Outside hitter
Placed: Fall 2023
Zoë van Waaijen played in the Netherlands at promotion league level before making the big move to the United States.
With her left-handed attacks, good timing and fighting spirit, Zoë is an asset on the court. She started her volleyball career at Clam Dycke and later made moves at Compaen, where she played at promotion league level and regularly made minutes on the first team in the second division.
Her versatility is striking: Zoë can be used as both an opposite hitter and an outside hitter. Her clever play and attacks create surprises at the net – something that has quickly made her stand out in America.
From a Junior College to College volleyball
The choice to play volleyball in America did not come out of the blue for Zoë. She was looking for more of a challenge, wanted to develop herself and gain international experience.
The road to college volleyball in the U.S. was not without its challenges. Uncertainty about scholarships and the academic requirements of universities made the search complex. In addition, Zoë toyed with the idea of possibly delaying her departure for a year.
To maximize her opportunities, Zoë consciously chose to attend a junior college first. This gave her time to grow, make herself more visible to coaches and build a solid foundation for her further studies and athletic career.
In Fall 2023, she started at Gillette College, a junior college (JUCO). There she laid a strong foundation, got a lot of playing time and developed as a player. After one season, she made the move to Reinhardt University, where she is now a regular player on the team.
Slamstox played a big role in Zoë’s success story. The personal guidance and quick turnaround made the whole process go smoothly.
“Slamstox’s experience and advice, combined with the personal contact and support towards me and my parents, really made the difference.” – Zoë van Waaijen
From advice on scholarships and universities to administrative support – Slamstox was there every step of the way. Guidance on her transfer to an NAIA school was an important part of the process and allowed Zoe to make the right choice.
Her strong foundation for transfer
After a period of getting used to the American system, Zoe has completely found her niche. Her time at Gillette College helped her grow as an athlete and gave her a strong foundation for transferring to Reinhardt University. There she has now found the perfect balance between academics and sports, with a place where she feels comfortable and gains international experience.
Zoë’s adventure
Zoë’s adventure in America not only helped her grow as a volleyball star, but also develop academically and personally. Her story shows that a smart approach, combined with the right guidance, can lead to a successful college career.
With several more great years ahead of her at Reinhardt University, Zoe is looking confidently to the future. Her experience in the U.S. is a valuable step in her athletic and academic journey – and this is just the beginning!
Do you also want to play volleyball in America and, like Zoë, combine your sport with studying? Contact us, we will help you on your own adventure as a student-athlete.
