A little while ago, our own women’s soccer specialist Daisy de Boer had the opportunity to share her story and experiences in an article for the newspaper, De Stentor. Curious about her story? Read the article below.
Soccer player Daisy de Boer (26) left for America in September 2018 to play for Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. After seven seasons and countless adventures, the native of Apeldoorn is about to return to the Netherlands for good, with a goal in mind.
Initially, Daisy de Boer went to the United States with the ambition of becoming a professional. That didn’t materialize. ‘However, I have improved as a soccer player and developed personally. You become more mature and form lifelong friendships. For instance, a friend from Alaska stayed with us in the Netherlands, and we did many fun things together. Over the years, I’ve made the most of every opportunity.’
After her time in Texas, De Boer went to the University of North Dakota as planned. From the heat to the extreme cold. ‘Sometimes it was -35 degrees in North Dakota. Luckily, all the facilities are indoors.’
Currently, De Boer is at Minot State University, also in North Dakota. She has spent two years there as a soccer player and is now working as an assistant coach and scout for the women’s team. In the coming months, she will also be completing the final semester of her master’s degree in sports management.
Just before Christmas
I had the option to finish my studies from the Netherlands, but I want to wrap up my American adventure properly. And that has to be done in America. I’ll complete my master’s in December and return to the Netherlands right before Christmas. After that, I want to focus fully on Slamstox.
Slamstox is a company based in Eindhoven that helps athletes secure scholarships at American universities. Since February, De Boer has been responsible for the women’s soccer segment. ‘In the next five months, I need to balance work in the Netherlands with my responsibilities at Minot State University and my studies. I want to raise awareness about women’s soccer in America. Many Dutch girls don’t even know that it’s possible to study and play soccer in the U.S.’
Future Student-Athletes
I’m here for everyone who wants to embark on the same adventure as I did. I help the girls with the preparatory work, assess which school suits them best, and communicate with their future coaches. We really focus on the individual. Some might prioritize academics, with soccer being secondary, while others might want to concentrate more on the sport. Based on that, I select the right schools.
Once the decision for a school is made, we assist with the visa, insurance, diploma translations, and other paperwork. Additionally, I can support the girls with my own experiences. Once they are in America, I continue to stay in touch to see how things are going.
This way, De Boer stays active in the world of her greatest passion: soccer.
Youth international
Becoming a professional soccer player was always Daisy de Boer’s dream. As a youth international, she played alongside Jill Roord, Victoria Pelova, Aniek Nouwen, Kerstin Casparij, and Jacintha Weimar, among others. However, she didn’t make it.
After a breakthrough at Eredivisie club SC Heerenveen did not materialize, De Boer moved to the United States in 2018. ‘I value the experiences I’ve gained,’ she said two years ago. ‘Playing as a youth international— not everyone gets to experience that. There are plenty of girls who would have loved to be in my shoes.’
Do you want to play soccer in America like Daisy or learn more about her story? Fill out this form, and Daisy will be happy to get in touch with you.
