Seréna Langendoen

My hockey background

I started my hockey journey at the age of 6, joining the club OMHC, where I played until the first year of MO12-1. After that year, I decided that it was time to leave my local hockey club and look for a new club that plays at a higher level. I chose Leonidas in Rotterdam, where I always played in the first team, both on the field and indoors. I have played as a midfielder, but for the last five years I have played as a central defender, which I really enjoy.

At the age of thirteen, I was part of the South Holland district. At the age of fourteen, I became part of the regional training center. When I was fifteen, I joined the Dutch U15 team and when I was sixteen I joined the Dutch U16. These experiences have not only challenged me to be the best version of myself but also provided opportunities for growth and development. 

Last year I had the opportunity to make my debut in the “Promotie Klasse” with Ladies 1, both on the field and indoors. I also often participate in their training session. These experience enriched my understanding of high-level competition and provided me with different exposure of playing environments. 

As a defender, I bring a sense of calmness to the team, by coaching a lot. I ensure that everyone is well positioned.

One of my strengths lies in my ability to coach and guide my teammates, ensuring everyone is in the right place and the field is well-organized. Also, one of my strengths is to keep an eye on the entire field to see which running lines are being run by my teammates, so I can give nice passes. And the last strength is my timing to take the ball from the opponent.

When I was fifteen, I got the chance to become the team captain. This experience enhanced my leadership skills and taught me the importance of effective communication and teamwork.  

Why I want to play college field hockey in the USA

I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to go to America and play hockey there. The idea of experiencing a new culture, making lifelong friends, and improving my English all appeal to me tremendously. I see it as a fantastic opportunity to embark on a new adventure and further develop myself, both personally and athletically.

I look forward to being part of a team that is driven to get better every training and match, where teamwork is important and where you have fun both on and off the field. The idea of playing at a high level and improving my skills even further motivates me.

Combining hockey and studying in a country like America, where the sports culture is so vibrant, sounds absolutely amazing to me. I look forward to being part of a team that is driven to get better every training and match, where teamwork is important and where you have fun both on and off the field. The idea of playing at a high level and improving my skills even further motivates me.

At school, I will not only have a lot of fun, but also focus on my studies. I am determined to achieve my academic goals and take advantage of the high-quality educational opportunities that America has to offer. I am confident that this experience will help me grow as an individual and prepare me for success in my future career.

In addition, I am excited about the opportunity to make friends for life. I believe that the bonds formed through shared experiences on and off the field will be invaluable, and I look forward to creating memories with my teammates and classmates that will last a lifetime.