Niels van der Sijs is one of the most promising young tennis players in the Netherlands. His journey to signing a contract with the University of Nebraska is an inspiring example of how hard work and seizing opportunities pay off. The process Niels went through, from his time at Amjoy to securing a contract with an American university, showcases how far you can go when you pursue your ambitions.
Niels began his tennis journey at a young age with Amjoy, the tennis academy that has guided him since the start of his career. Over the years, Niels has proven himself in various national and international tournaments. This experience has shaped him into the player he is today: a dedicated, talented athlete who is now ranked number 22 in the Netherlands and has made significant progress in recent years.
A fun fact: two years ago, Niels was still playing on a competitive team with Slamstox intern Ruben. It just goes to show how quickly things can change!
When Niels decided to broaden his horizons, he began preparing for a career as a student-athlete in the United States. The goal was clear: to find a university where he could combine playing tennis at the highest level with his studies. Choosing the right university can be challenging, but fortunately for Niels, he had the opportunity to visit multiple schools in the U.S. to explore his options.
In just one week, Niels had the opportunity to visit three different universities: NC State, the University of Washington, and the University of Nebraska. This unique experience gave him a better sense of each university and helped him make a more informed decision.
The visits were intense and gave Niels the chance to talk with coaches and team members while experiencing the campus atmosphere and training facilities up close. Despite having familiar faces from Amjoy at NC State and Washington, Niels ultimately chose the University of Nebraska. It was there that he felt most welcomed and saw the ideal environment to continue developing his tennis career.
Curious about Niels’ personal story and how he experienced his journey to America? In our interview, Niels shares his experiences visiting the universities and the impact Amjoy has had on his tennis journey. Plus, his private coach, Benjamin Reek, has left a special message for Niels that you definitely don’t want to miss!
You can watch the video featuring Niels van der Sijs below.
