The University of North Florida is the home to one of our Slamstox athletes, and was the home to another. Isa Leen and Lydia van Dijk are the athletes we are talking about. In this article, you wil learn more about them and about their university. Since last summer, Isa joined the T&F team. Isa has become very strong in the 1500, 3000 and 5000 m, and then to think that Isa is not only fast on the track but also in the water. Isa was a water polo athlete, and even played for the Dutch Junior Team! Her adventure in the USA as T&F student-athlete already, but she’s a big champ already. We will definitely keep an eye on her, will you?
Lydia van Dijk, you probably read about her before, is an ex-UNF student. Lydia once made a cool video. During this video, she takes us through a day in the life of a student- athlete at the University of North Florida. Check it out below!
Campus
The University of North Florida is quit a ‘new’ university, since the university was founded in 1969. The University of North Florida is located on the beaches of Jacksonville. The construction of the first classrooms and other buildings was completed in 1971. Since then, the university has grown enormously. In 1972, there were only 2000 students in this university while today, students from 90 different nationalities study there! Crazy right?
The campus is great located near beautiful beaches, but also close to the city life. There is a lot to see and to do on this campus such as a museum and several cafes. Moreover, there are beautiful lakes on the campus where you can canoe with friends. These lakes are surrounded by the flats where the students live. Can you already see yourself living here?
In this video you get a good idea about the University of North Florida.
The university is also known for its professional facilities for athletes. From its basketball players to all track & field athletes: every athlete is given the opportunity to develop as best as possible. For instance, the basketball team has a beautiful arena, called: UNF Arena
The UNF Arena was built in 1993 but still looks brand new. There is room for almost 6,000 spectators, and for some important games even more seats are created.. The arena is not only used for basketball games, but also for special events, such as concerts and other festivities.
In 2004, this arena was the training ground for the men’s and women’s Olympic basketball team. Can you imagine training in the same room as Allen Iverson and Lebron James? Sounds like a dream right… Check out the arena below!
This arena is not the largest stadium on the campus. In fact, Hodges Stadium has room for about 10,000 visitors. It is really a traditional stadium with a big stand on the side. The practices and matches of the soccer teams and the T&F teams are held here. This stadium has been in use since 2004, but a lot of renovations have been carried out since. Therefore, the pitch and the track around the pitch are always in perfect condition.
The swimming pools and the facilities surrounding are considered by many to be unique. The 50m- pool only opened in June 2021. So thats a great and brand new facility! The construction of the pool and the buildings around took eight years.
Moreover, the tennis courts, baseball fields and golf courses are all perfectly maintained. Not only the fields are in great condition, in the gym you can go wild too. In America, most sports are much more physical and fast-paced. With these facilities you will be able to become the best version of yourself!
Athletics
The university’s sports teams are better known as the North Florida Ospreys. These teams all compete at a high level for the best possible results. The university started its sports teams in 1983. At that time, these teams still played in the NAIA (an American league. Later the university changed to the NCAA Division II. Currently, they play at the highest level, the NCAA Division I.
The university participates in 7 men’s sports and 10 women’s sports. There have been many successes over the years. Perhaps the greatest successes were achieved by the men’s basketball team. In 2015, for the first time in the university’s history, the men’s basketball team received an invitation to the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament by winning the Atlantic Sun Tournament. The championship game was played at the UNF Arena, in front of a record crowd of 6,155! They saw the Ospreys eliminating USC Upstate 63-57. After the victory, the team and the university drew unprecedented media attention, both locally and nationally.
Academics
Both your sports results and your school results are of great importance. It is therefore hard work as a student-athlete, academics are as important as athletics! Also, Isa and Lydia have to work hard for this at UNF.
The University of North Florida offers a wide range of studies. From business and management to health studies. With all different options in studies, you will be able to find the perfect spot for you.
Do you want to become a student-athlete in the USA, just like Isa and Lydia? Click on the button below and we will help you!
