As the remainder of the 2019-20 season was canceled on March 12 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Sun Belt Conference is helping others get to know Sun Belt student-athletes presented in a Q&A series on the league's website and social media platforms.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Georgia Southern?
A: I chose Georgia Southern because when I talked to the coach and teammates I immediately had a good feeling about the program. Everyone was super nice and welcoming and I felt like I fit into the culture. I also chose Georgia Southern because of the culture and atmosphere at the school. I see Georgia Southern as a great school that focuses on your development individually, as well as everyone collectively, and as a school that really inspires you and helps you become the best version of you.
 
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a student-athlete?
A: What I enjoy most about being a student-athlete is the privilege to combine sports with education. Where I am from, the Netherlands, that is not possible and it is really one of the reasons why I came to America in the first place.
 
Q: What drew you to compete in tennis?
A: My parents both played tennis and some days I went with them to watch them play. That made me want to play as well and I took my first lesson when I was six years old.
 
Q: What is one of the best memories you have competing in a Sun Belt Championship event?
A: Definitely reaching the [conference] final last year. I will never forget the joy and excitement I felt when we clinched the semifinal. I am lucky to have experienced that with amazing teammates by my side.
 
Q: How does being an athlete make you a better person?
A: The way being an athlete makes me a better person is the influence you can have on other people. You get to give back to the community that has given you so many chances in various ways. Besides that, as an athlete, you have the ability to inspire young kids and others to do the same and reach their potential. I am really thankful for the opportunities I get from Georgia Southern to compete and play the sport I love, as well as to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. Giving back to the community, giving back to Georgia Southern, and inspiring others is the least I can do to somehow pay for the opportunities I have been given.
 
Q: Who is one major influence in your life? Why?
A: My family has been a major influence in my life. They have always supported me to do what I love. They love me the way I am and I can always be myself. I know that I can always come back to them and I am super thankful for that. I could not be where I am today without my family. It’s tough to be away from them. Besides that, the friends I have made at Georgia Southern have also had a major influence. My friends all come from different backgrounds and everyone has different norms and values. That has taught me to really respect people the way they are and to listen to someone’s story before I judge.

Q: This current time obviously brings a lot of emotions. How are you handling and navigating this time with your playing career currently halted and classes being online?
A: It was tough to hear that our season got canceled and that school was going all online, but obviously health is the number one priority. Right now I am focused on school and focused on getting better in the areas that I can get better at. I am really trying to stay positive and make the most out of this situation. As for tennis, I don’t get to play much, but I have picked up running and I am doing lots of body workouts to still stay in shape. It is a bit of an adjustment going all online with classes, but the professors are working very hard to make the transition as smooth as possible, and I really appreciate that. This time is not easy for them either and we all have to do what we can to make the most out of it.
 
Q: Before play was halted, the Eagles had won three straight matches ahead of conference play. What were some of the strengths of your team? What was the best part of your game?
A: One of our strengths was unity. We played together and we played for each other. I think that has been an important aspect, especially in getting those wins. Besides that, we all knew that conference play was about to start and that we had to be at our best. That also shows how the team’s staff knew how to program this season, so we could all peak at this moment.  Everyone showed a lot of enthusiasm, energy, and focus during both our practices and these matches. We fought together. The best part of my game was confidence. I struggled a bit with confidence at the beginning of the semester, but as I got to play more matches my confidence increased. I showed that during those last matches.
 
Q: Your doubles partner, Paula Boixader, is a senior. What has it meant to play alongside her and what has she taught you, be it on or off the court?
A: I really enjoyed playing alongside her. We both complement each other and I believe that’s why we formed a good team. When I came as a freshman and I really knew nothing about how college actually works, she was there to help me. Along with my other teammates, she taught me how to play for a team and what it means to be a good teammate. She is a good player and I learned a lot from the way she played and fought on the court and I am really thankful for that.