In this interview, you will learn more about the experiences of Slamstox hockey player Marith Bijkerk as a student-athlete in America. Marith has been playing hockey for many years and made the transition to America last summer, where she has been playing hockey for Saint Joseph’s University ever since. It’s a top D1 university where Marith combines her hockey with her studies. Want to know more? Read on below!
Could you first tell us a bit more about yourself?
My name is Marith Bijkerk, I’m 22 years old, and I play field hockey for Saint Joseph’s University.
Could you tell us about your sporting background? For example, where did you play before going to America?
Before coming to America to play hockey, I played for 15 years in the Netherlands. I started in my hometown of Steenwijk at MHC Steenwijk. I played there until the D age group and then switched to HC Zwolle. I played there for 4 years, from the C age group to the B age group, and then spent my final 2 years at the junior level with Phoenix in Zeist. After my last years in the youth system, I moved from Phoenix to HC Almeerse, where I played in the Women’s 1st team for 4 years. In Steenwijk, I played at the highest youth level, namely the Topklasse. Then at HC Zwolle, I achieved IDC and Landelijk B, and during my two years at Phoenix, I played both Super A. In Almere, I played in the Overgangsklasse for 3 years and my final season in the Promotieklasse.
Why did you choose to combine hockey with a study in America?
I chose to study and play hockey in America because this combination has always appealed to me. America seemed like a fantastic country to study in, and in the Netherlands, I had already achieved almost everything in my age group. I’ve been part of the Dutch under-18 team, played for Jong Oranje, and spent four years playing at a high level in the senior leagues, so it felt like the right time to make the move. Additionally, I believed it would be a great enhancement for my studies, not just in terms of hockey but also academically.
How was it for you to find yourself in a new environment? Was it easy to make new friends?
I hadn’t really thought beforehand that I would struggle with this, but when I finally arrived in America, it turned out to be a bit more challenging than expected. I experienced some homesickness during the first few weeks, and I found it difficult to adjust my hockey game. Fortunately, after a while, things improved a lot. I have a friendly and fun team, and it helped that there were some other Dutch girls on my team. Making friends went reasonably well, although it was a bit challenging. I came to Saint Joseph’s University as a transfer student, so you integrate differently than as a Freshman. But thankfully, I’ve managed to make a decent group of friends by now, and the Americans are super friendly and sociable.
What are you currently studying?
I am currently majoring in History with a minor in Political Science.
What is the biggest difference between playing hockey and studying in America compared to the Netherlands?
I think the biggest difference lies in the style of hockey. In the Netherlands, the game is more focused on building up play from the back to the front. The game in America is structured a bit differently, but you quickly get used to it. Also, the aspect of strength and conditioning training is very different here in America compared to the Netherlands. We often spend time in the gym, and during the Spring season, we focus a lot on building up more conditioning for the new season, which starts in the Fall.
Studying is also different from the Netherlands. In America, you choose a major that you want to study, but in addition, you can also choose other courses that interest you, such as photography or drawing.
What does an average day look like for you?
A typical day for me usually starts with waking up early in the morning, around 7:00 a.m. After getting ready, I have breakfast and then head to my classes, which usually start around 8:30 a.m. I attend lectures and participate in discussions until around 3:00 p.m. In the late afternoon, I typically have hockey practice, which lasts from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Tuesdays, we also have strength training sessions at 6:30 a.m. After practice, I grab dinner with teammates or friends and then spend some time studying or relaxing in the evening. Weekends are often filled with matches, so I dedicate time to prepare for and play those games. Overall, balancing academics and athletics keeps me busy throughout the week.
Currently, we are in the Spring season, and it’s slightly less hectic. We still have training every day, but now it’s alternated between morning sessions at 8:30 and afternoon sessions at 15:30. In addition to regular training, we have more conditioning sessions so that we’ll be fully prepared for the upcoming Fall season.
What do you like to do most in your free time?
In my free time, I prefer to do things I enjoy, whether it’s watching other sports on campus or hanging out with friends in the city. However, there’s also homework to be done. I often do this on the weekends because during the week, there’s usually little time, and I need to plan well to keep up with all my subjects.
Do you have any tips for people who are considering making the transition to America?
Making the transition to America is an incredibly exciting challenge. You learn a lot about yourself, and I believe you grow significantly as a person, discovering who you truly are. Therefore, I would definitely recommend embracing this opportunity and turning it into a beautiful adventure.
What is your most enjoyable American experience so far?
My most enjoyable experience in America so far is winning the A10 Championship with my team and visiting a real American Football stadium at Michigan University.
How have you experienced the collaboration with Slamstox?
I have found the collaboration with Slamstox to be very pleasant. And I am still very satisfied. I am truly grateful to the individuals who assisted me. They are always available when you have questions. The atmosphere has been superb and helpful from the very beginning. Not only the people within the hockey department but also those from other sports. Even now that I am in America, I can still reach out to Slamstox if I have any questions, and they always respond very promptly and are eager to assist. If people are considering sports and studying in America, I would definitely recommend Slamstox because I have had a fantastic experience myself.
If you, like Marith, want to combine your sport and studies in America (with college field hockey), please feel free to fill out this form, and we will gladly get in touch to discuss your options.
