ABOUT ME

Hello!

Currently I am highschool senior and expect to graduate in 2025. I was born in the Netherlands (almost on the sailboat my parents lived on at that time) and moved to the United States when I was three months old calling the US my home ever since. Through my parents I learned to love being on the water. The very first pictures of me outside are me sailing with my parents! Over the years I was active in many different sports but field hockey and sailing were my favorites.

I was playing field hockey from the moment field hockey was introduced in Houston (Texas Pride). Initially in a defense position but later on in mid field. From 2015 until 2020 I could be found on the field three to four days a week. I was a great experience, growing with the team culminating in a 3rd position nationwide in 2020 when I was team captain. However all good things come to an end because I got more and more hooked to Laser sailing. I realized I needed to choose because fully dedicating myself to two sports, and attending school and other activities was too much. So with pain in my heart I choose to pursue Laser sailing.

In case you haven’t heard of Lasers. Over powered, small and unstable but very fast sail boats. Once I stepped on I realized – this is my kind of boat. Ever since I have been sailing weekly on Galveston Bay as a member of the Lakewood Racing Team. I have been steadily improving my sailing skills culminating in a 2nd place overall of the Texas Sailing Association sailing regattas in 2023. For the coming two years I am planning to expand my racing experience to ICLA regatta’s nationwide. To expand my sailing experience I have been sailing regularly on J-22’s, RS-21’s, FJ’s and the family boat, a Hunter 40.5. Did you know that a true Texan is currently competing to go to the 2024 Olympics in the Laser Radial class? In case you haven’t heard from her – Charlotte Rose (https://www.charlotterosesailing24.com/) and she is one of my role models. Go Charlotte!

Despite loving to compete in sports I know that acacdemic achievements are equally important, though juggling priorities is and most likely always will be, a challenge – pheew being a teenager is hard! Skipping a grade in Elementary I have been on Honor Roll without exception and received two President’s Awards for Educational Excellence . I am a member of the NJROTC and currently serving as Cadet Chief Petty Officer, while being the female commander of the Color Guard Drill Team. I attended the Advanced Leadership Academy NJROTC 2023 and received multiple awards, including being only one of 8 cadets who were selected as Honor Cadet. At the same time I am a member of the Symphonette Orchestra (violin) and Event Coordinator of the French club. I am particularly proud that I have been selected to join the PALS team of Clements High School 2022-2023. Through the PALS program we visit Elementary schools to provide much needed assistance to individual students who need just that little bit of extra help. Being there for a fellow student and making a difference one small step at a time is one of the most rewarding activities I have done so far. I consider seeing the smile on the face of my elementary PALS student when we meet again as one of my greatest successes so far.

So there we are, that’s me. I am very proud of all the things I have achieved so far but I know my journey is just starting. I learned that successes are nice but failures teach you the most;  to be better next time. It is not the falling but getting up again that counts!