ESMEE DE WILLIGEN
BIO
Esmee moved from HC Rotterdam in the Netherlands to play field hockey and study at the University of Michigan.
Check out her player profile here: Michigan Field hockey
Year: Fall 2023
School: University of Michigan
Level: NCAA D1
Position: Striker
Former Clubs: HC Rotterdam
Achievements: Won a Dutch national title (2019 & 2022)
Personal Message from Esmee:
We asked Esmee about her experience, the differences with the Netherlands, and if she has any tips for you!
"I've been having a great time so far! The team has welcomed me with open arms, and the atmosphere is very pleasant.
Here in America, we have more training sessions, and we play two matches each week. The country is also much larger. Sports in America are much bigger than in the Netherlands, and as a student athlete, you get a unique opportunity to balance school and your sport effectively.
My advice would be not to rush into choosing a school definitively. Take the time to compare everything and determine what suits you best. Because beyond the school, the team atmosphere is also crucial, and not everyone values the same things.
Apart from hockey, it's also very enjoyable to see that you spend a lot of time with your team, building a strong bond with your teammates and doing fun things together.
Player Video Esmee 2022: