Last month, we already showed you what the current Dutch top 10 college tennis players look like. It’s high time to take a look at the girls now. We’ve researched again who the current top players are, and you can still read last year’s overview here.
We’ll give you a sneak peek: this year, there are no fewer than eight Slamstox top players featured in the overview below! Something we’re naturally super proud of!
10. Marit Kreugel
UTR: 8.67 University: Murray State University Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, Missouri Valley Conference
Marit is now a graduate student and in her final months as a college tennis player. Last year, she was particularly active in doubles, achieving significant victories but also playing some exciting matches. Enjoy your final period, Marit.
9. Laurie Barendse
UTR: 8.67 University: University of New Orleans Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, Southland Conference
Last year, Laurie was still in tenth place, but this year she’s a bit higher on our list. Laurie’s impressive performance is evident from her position within the team. She often takes the court in the number two position and sometimes even as number one! In doubles, she frequently forms the number one team. Her coach, Burzis Kanga, attended the Showcase in 2023 and has already confirmed his attendance again this year. Slamstox tennis player Sep de Visser will also join the tennis team of New Orleans this coming summer.
8. Esmee Andresen
UTR: 8.68 University: University at Buffalo Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, Mid-American Conference
After playing for two years at Hillsborough Community College, Esmee made the switch to the Division I tennis team at the University at Buffalo last summer. She started her season at her new university on a high note; she was chosen, along with her doubles partner Ambre Amat, as the MAC Doubles Team of the Week. This bodes well for the rest of the year.
We already tipped Esmee in our “ones to watch” blog for this tennis semester a while ago, so she’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
7. Sophie Schouten
UTR: 9.01 University: University of Houston Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, American Athletic Conference
Sophie had an impressive debut season: she won a remarkable eleven matches in singles and twelve in doubles. Moreover, Sophie almost always held the first position in doubles. Sophie’s talent in doubles is also well-known in the Netherlands now. Together with former Slamstox tennis player Laura Rijkers, she even reached the semifinals at the Dutch National Championships in December. Let’s go, Sophie!
6. Jade Groen
UTR: 9.26 University: Western Carolina University Divisie/Conference: NCAA Division I, Southern Conference
In the past season, Jade achieved a team record of 14 wins in 20 singles matches. She primarily played these matches at the third and fourth positions. It’s been an excellent start to her college career. Last year, Jade was in seventh place, but thanks to her outstanding year, she has climbed to the sixth position. Keep it up, Jade!
5. Minchae Kim
UTR: 9.28 University: Rutgers University Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, Big Ten
Last fall, Minchae managed to win an impressive 11 out of her 14 singles matches. In the past few years, she has consistently been just outside the top 10, but thanks to her strong performances in recent months, she is now the highest newcomer on this list. Minchae is currently a junior, which means she still has plenty of room for development. America hasn’t seen the last of her yet!
4. Noesjka Brink
UTR: 9.55 University: University of Wyoming Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, Mountain West Conference
Noesjka won a whopping 30 of her played matches last year. She is currently in her senior year at the university and ready to give it her all for one last time for the best performances. Especially after injury setbacks last year, she is more motivated than ever before. Being left-handed makes it harder for opponents to read her game.
She even gave a presentation at our Tennis Showcase last summer. Do you want to be there this year? Register yourself here and secure your spot at this tournament.
3. Bente Spee
UTR: 9.60 University: University of Florida Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, Southeastern Conference
Bente has been consistently at the top of our rankings since the start of her college career, and this year is no exception. In 2023, she secured several top victories, including a win against a player with a UTR of 10+. Additionally, Bente also qualified for an ITF tournament in France. Keep up the great work, Bente!
She has now begun her third season in Florida and also took us on a tour of the campus a while ago. Watch her video here.
2. Elysia Pool
UTR: 9.91 University: University of South Alabama Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, Sun Belt Conference
Elysia has started the new season very strongly. She hasn’t dropped a single set in four matches, playing from the number one position in doubles and the number two position in singles. Last season, Elysia was even chosen as the Sun Belt Conference Co-Newcomer of the Year. She recorded a record of 16-7 across all matches. A performance to be very proud of!
1. Florentine Dekkers
UTR: 10.01 University: Louisiana State University Division/Conference: NCAA Division I, Southeastern Conference
The new number one on this ranking is our very own Florentine Dekkers! Last summer, she made the move from Kansas to Louisiana in search of even more challenges. At Kansas, she won eighteen matches in singles. But what’s even more impressive is that she did so primarily from the number one position for the Wildcats. We’re curious to see what steps she’ll take this year with the Tigers, but we have all the confidence in her.
As you can see, our Slamstox tennis players are doing incredibly well. Something we’re naturally super proud of. Would you like to follow in the footsteps of these tennis players and pursue your tennis and studies in America, perhaps even kickstarting your professional career? Fill out this form without obligation, and we’ll be happy to assist you further!
