The college tennis season is about to begin or has already started for many universities. This also means that many of our own tennis players will be giving it their all in the coming months to compete for the titles.
In this article, we’ve deliberately highlighted some of our top players—tennis talents we believe have the potential to surprise everyone this season.
After some players had the chance to warm up this past fall, it’s now time for the real deal. We have complete confidence in our top athletes and are certain they’re going to shine. In this article, we introduce you to five of these standout players. Want to know who they are and where they’re competing? Keep reading!
Mats Bredschneijder
University: Auburn University
Division/ conference: NCAA Division I / Southeastern Conference
Mats Bredschneijder is one of the “rookies” on this list. Having only arrived in the U.S. this month, his American college journey is still in its very early stages. It’s no surprise that Mats debuted at #4 in our annual ranking of the best Dutch college tennis players.
Before heading to the U.S., Mats had already achieved several impressive milestones. In March last year, he earned his first ATP points and secured a spot in the top 20 rankings in the Netherlands.
Rose Marie Nijkamp
University: Oklahoma State University
Division/ conference: NCAA Division I / Big 12 Conference
Rose Marie Nijkamp has also only been in the U.S. for a few weeks. The “rookie” from Oklahoma State University already boasts an impressive résumé filled with remarkable tennis achievements. In 2022, she claimed the doubles title at Wimbledon and reached career-high rankings of #31 on the ITF Juniors circuit and #614 on the WTA rankings in recent years.
Rose Marie has had a strong start in the U.S., with Oklahoma State convincingly winning their first three matches. Keep it up, Rose Marie!
Fons van Sambeek
University: NC State University
Division/ conference: NCAA Division I / Atlantic Coast Conference
Fons van Sambeek is no stranger to the game. The NC State tennis player is now in his final semester. While finishing his bachelor’s degree, he’ll also be giving it his all to make one last big impact on the tennis court.
Fons van Sambeek is a familiar name in the tennis world. The NC State player is now in his final semester. Alongside completing his bachelor’s degree, he’s determined to give it his all one more time and make a lasting mark on the tennis court.
Stian Klaassen
University: University of San Diego
Division/ conference: NCAA Division I / West Coast Conference
Stian Klaassen had an outstanding year in 2024. The junior from the University of San Diego continued to rack up top performances alongside his doubles partner, Oliver Tarvet, with the ultimate achievement being their victory in the National Champion title.
In the previous spring semester, Stian also achieved an incredible streak of 19 consecutive singles victories. It’s no surprise, then, that Stian, thanks to these performances, ranks at the top of our list of the best Dutch college tennis players at the moment. Expectations for this new season are high!
Bente Spee
University: University of Florida Division/ conference: NCAA Division I / Southeastern Conference
Bente Spee has been a familiar face on the college tennis courts of Florida for years. Now a senior at the University of Florida, she is fully prepared to give it her all for a strong finish. In recent years, Bente has solidified her place within the team, and with a new coach on board, she is ready to shine this season.
These are, of course, not the only players who will be in action over the coming months. We’re confident that all of our athletes will also deliver top performances. Make sure to keep an eye on our socials to follow the achievements of these five standouts, as well as those of all our other players. We wish everyone the best of luck!
Would you also like to go to the U.S. to combine tennis and studying? Fill out this form, and we’ll be happy to get in touch with you to explore your options.
