After four years of grinding as a student-athlete in the United States, we congratulate Bas van Biezen with his graduation! In this senior spotlight, we asked Bas 15 questions about his experience as a tennis player at Southern New Hampshire University, where he played in the same team as his big brother Willem.
Name: Bas van Biezen
Sport: Tennis
University: Southern New Hampshire University
City: Manchester, NH
Major: Business Administration
1. Best college sports memory
Playing the ITA finals against my older brother, Willem, on the U.S Open courts, with my parents (from the Netherlands) and teammates all watching.
2. Biggest U.S. culture shock
The long car rides to get from one destination to another. In the Netherlands driving for one hours feels like a road trip while in America you can drive for 3 to 4 hours (or much longer) and still be in the same state.
3. Biggest difference between you as a freshman and as a senior
Improvement of the English language, time management, and I have grown as a person.
4. Most-improved aspect of your sports game
My volleys. I wasn’t a great doubles player and had awful volleys, but over the years I improved a lot and even succeeded to jump to our number 1 doubles team.
5. Thing you missed most about the Netherlands.
The Dutch food/meals such as ‘pannenkoeken’ en ‘Hutspot.’
6. Thing you missed least about the Netherlands.
The rainy weather.
7. Favorite dining hall food?
Steak tips with mashed potatoes and broccoli.
8. Favorite thing about being a student-athlete
Traveling with the team (family) to compete against other colleges/universities.
9. Toughest part about being a student-athlete
Time management, you will learn to focus and manage your time. It can be tough for student-athletes to go to school and do all your schoolwork while training multiple hours each day and competing for your college team.
10. Plans for after college
Not sure yet, but I might stay for another year at SNHU to obtain my Master’s degree since Covid-19 has given me another year of eligibility!
11. Thing you will miss most about the United States as a country
The drive-through of Dunkin Donuts. I used to get a coffee almost every day before my classes would start in the morning.
12. Thing will you miss most about college sports?
The team atmosphere and team spirit. You work hard all year around to shine and give it all as a team during our 6-week season period.
13. Funniest moment being an athlete?
In my Junior year, I was playing doubles against Bentley University. I was at the net waiting for my volley, but my doubles partner shanked the ball and gave our opponent an overhead. He hit the overhead straight to my crotch. It hurt at that moment, but now I can laugh about it.
14. Tip you would you give your freshman-self?
Enjoy every moment to the fullest because before you know it, your college career is over.
15. Main reason you would recommend others to play college sports?
You will learn how to be disciplined, confident, motivated, and work well with others (teammates).
Would you like to pursue your sports career at a university in the United States? Please contact us here.
