In this interview, you will learn more about the experiences of Slamstox athlete Isa Leen as a student-athlete in America! In 2021, she made the transition to the University of North Florida and has since been a part of the university’s track & field team. Here, she combines her sports career with her studies. Want to know more? Read below!
Can you tell a bit more about yourself?
I am Isa, and my second year in America is almost over! I compete in Cross Country and Track for the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. The 3km, 5km, and 10km are my favorite distances. Before coming to America, I trained at ATR in Rotterdam and Olympus’70 in Naaldwijk. I am currently studying Psychology with a minor in Mass Communication, and I’m really enjoying it!
Why did you decide to study in America?
America has a strong sports culture, and a lot of attention is given to it. It’s easier to combine school and sports here. It’s a great experience to travel for competitions and see other parts of America.
How do you like it at UNF and why did you choose this university?
I chose UNF because I immediately clicked with the girls on my team and my coaches. I believe that for anyone who wants to come to America, this is one of the most important things to consider. I truly believe that it doesn’t matter where you go as long as you have people around you who make you feel completely at home! Additionally, the campus is close to the beach and has beautiful running trails.
What is your major and what do you think of it?
I am studying Psychology with a minor in Mass Communication, and I find it incredibly fascinating! The classes at UNF are smaller, which allows you to get to know the professors well, and they are always willing to help you. Everything is in English, but you quickly pick it up!
Do you live on the campus? Or off campus?
In the first year, I lived with my teammate in the dorms on campus. We got along really well, so living together in the same room was actually quite enjoyable! We ate at the cafeteria on campus since we didn’t have a kitchen in the dorm, but the food was always delicious. Now, I live with two teammates off-campus, and we each have our own room and a small kitchenette. I still live close to the campus, so I can easily commute to my classes and training sessions by bus or bike. I receive a scholarship from the school that covers my rent expenses.
Can you tell us a bit more on how a day as a college track & field athlete at UNF looks like?
In the fall, we train at 7 a.m., and in the spring, we train at 9 a.m. Often, I visit the physiotherapist before and after training to ensure that I stay injury-free. After training, I usually go straight to my classes. I have lunch and try to work on school assignments before our strength training session at 2 p.m. After the strength training, we often have a second run of 6.5 km. By around 4 p.m., I’m usually back and I call home since there is a 6-hour time difference with the Netherlands. I catch up with my housemates and start preparing dinner. Then, it’s time to finish up some schoolwork and go to bed! If you want to see more of my days here in America, check out my YouTube channel!
What are the main differences between college track meets in America and track meets in the Netherlands?
Here in America, there are many more girls participating in competitions. At the start of cross-country races, there can be as many as 200+ girls lining up! Additionally, the sport also feels more like a team sport because in the final competition of the season, the conference, you score points as a team.
Are your training sessions in America significantly different from your training sessions in the Netherlands?
In general, my training sessions are quite similar to what I did in the Netherlands, but I have increased my mileage significantly. Additionally, I now have strength training sessions with a coach three times a week. In the Netherlands, I used to do it on my own once a week.
What is your favourite training in America?
My favorite workouts are 5x1km on the track during the track season and mile repeats on the cross-country course during the cross-country season. These training sessions always give me a lot of confidence for the upcoming races!
What do you think of the typical American sports culture at UNF?
I really enjoy how much attention is given to sports here. You quickly become friends with other students while cheering for the school teams, and there is always an ice hockey game or baseball game to attend. There’s a whole show built around it with music and games, which creates a lively atmosphere.
Have you ever seen a gator around campus?
Yes! A baby gator walked around here on campus for a while and one is often spotted running in the trails! Well, the little ones are still cute, but I have to say that I prefer to stay as far away from the big ones as possible…
How do you find the facilities at UNF and where do you usually do your long runs? For example, are there nice trails in the area for running?
UNF has a beautiful blue track that was recently renovated. They have also built a new outdoor swimming pool, where our team swims once a week for cross-training! Additionally, we have access to the Boost, a treadmill where you can adjust the percentage of your body weight, reducing the impact on your legs. There are trails around the campus where we do a lot of running, and for our long runs, we often drive to trails slightly outside the campus. The beach is also nearby, and I find it to be a great place for our long runs.
What do you think of the guidance of your coach?
My coach asks how you’re feeling and how things are going every day. If there are any pains or excessive fatigue, you can discuss adjusting the training sessions. He ensures that we train hard but prioritizes our health. Additionally, we have assistant coaches and physiotherapists who assist us in this regard.
What achievement are you most proud of at UNF so far and what do you still want to achieve?
I’m most proud of my 9:46 in the indoor 3000m race. It was the day after a 5km race, and I had not expected to achieve that time at all. I started the season with a 10:14, so it was a significant improvement! Additionally, I’m very happy with my cross-country race in Alabama. It was the first time I finished first among my team members. I had struggled with injuries the previous year, and my races didn’t go as well as I had hoped. So, when I performed well in that race, it brought me immense joy and boosted my confidence for the subsequent competitions!
What is your best experience in America until now?
I have met so many wonderful people here! My teammates have become my best friends, and traveling together for competitions is truly the best. Sometimes we compete in big cities, and we get the chance to explore the surroundings. For example, we went to St. Louis and watched a baseball game at the Cardinals’ stadium. Additionally, spending days at the beach playing beach volleyball and soaking up the sun is absolutely delightful.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Since weekdays are often busy with school, travel, and training, there isn’t a lot of free time. That’s why I enjoy going to the beach, cooking, lounging by the pool, and visiting coffee shops on weekends. It’s a great way to relax and have some leisure time outside of the demanding schedule during the week.
Have you see much of America since you start your college time?
I have mainly seen athletic tracks and cross-country courses, but I definitely plan to go on a big road trip. I hope to visit my friend, Babette Burgersdijk, who studies in Milwaukee and plays tennis, next semester!
At the end of March there was Florida Relays and here you ran a 5000m as a season opener. How did you experience this match?
It’s always exciting to run on a 400m track after the indoor season. Unfortunately, it was a hot day, and I didn’t achieve the time I was aiming for, but it’s just the beginning of the season, and I’m looking forward to my upcoming races!
What are your sporting goals for the coming season and possibly for the longer term?
My long-term goal is always to stay injury-free, and I prioritize taking care of my body to achieve that. For this season, I hope to run a sub-17 minute 5km and a 35:45 10km.
We are super excited that you started vlogging! What is the reason you started this and do you want to continue with it?
You’re welcome! It’s great to hear that your family and friends back home enjoy getting updates on your experiences, and vlogs have been a fantastic way to give them a better understanding of what it’s really like for you. Creating vlogs allows you to capture and share your journey in a more immersive and engaging way, and it’s wonderful that you’re enjoying the process as well. Keep making more videos and documenting your time there, it’s a fantastic way to create lasting memories and share your adventures with others.
Do you want to combine your sport and study in America with college track & field, just like Isa? Please fill in this form and we will be happy to contact you to discuss your options
