Success Story Joost de Schutter

Name: Joost de Schutter
Born: 7 Jan. 2002
Sport: Soccer
University: Butler University
Placed: Fall 2022

Background Joost

Central defensive midfielder, two-legged
Active for years in the PSV Eindhoven youth training program
Part of the Netherlands U15, U17 and U18 national team
European Champion with Netherlands U17

Joost de Schutter, soccer player for Butler University, coached by Slamstox

From Dutch talent to American student-athlete
Joost de Schutter was known for years as one of the greatest soccer talents in the Netherlands. He went through PSV Eindhoven’s youth academy and even wore the captain’s band with the Dutch under-17 team, with which he won the European Championship. When he graduated high school, a professional career seemed within reach, especially when PSV offered him a contract.

An unexpected choice
Against all odds, Joost decided to take a different path. He put his soccer career on hold and chose to focus entirely on his studies. During this period, he no longer touched a ball and lost enjoyment of the game. Life as a professional soccer player no longer appealed to him.

A new adventure thanks to Slamstox
Slamstox stayed in touch with Joost during this time. We knew that college soccer in America would suit him perfectly. After Joost had not touched a ball for some time, we decided to get in touch again. He participated in one of our soccer days, and it was immediately clear that he still had a lot of talent!

Choosing college soccer
In April 2022, relatively late in the process, Joost still decided to go for college soccer. This brought challenges, including navigating the NCAA eligibility process because of his pro history. In addition, we had to find universities that still had open scholarship spots, and get the paperwork in order quickly.

Butler University – the perfect match
Several top universities showed interest, but for Joost it was important that not only the soccer level was high, but also the academic training and team culture suited him. In the end, he found the perfect combination at Butler University. The head coach, Paul Snape, made a great offer, and Joost began his new adventure in Indianapolis.

Recovered the joy in soccer
At Butler University, Joost found his joy in soccer again. He now plays on a team with boys coming from more than 10 different countries, not only growing as a player but also expanding his international network. Indianapolis, a large city of nearly a million people, offers him plenty of opportunities to develop further on and off the field.

A bright future in America
It is great to see how Joost, with his impressive background, still manages to combine his talents in soccer and studies for a successful adventure in the USA. It would have been an eternal shame if he had left his qualities unused!