Know Your Knights: Daphne Groothuis

Freshman Daphne Groothuis has made an immediate impact after arriving "On the Banks" from the Netherlands. Hailing from Nieuewerker aan den Ijssel, the graduate of Thorbecke Voortgezet Onderwijs stepped right into the starting lineup in the center of the midfield.

In her second career game she recorded a hat trick, scoring three times en route to being named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. The following weekend, she continued to excel, scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory at Penn. Groothuis also added two goals and two assists in a win over No.23 Old Dominion. She was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for a second time and at the time was second in the nation in points.

Groothuis is one of five international products on the RU field hockey team. She is one of two natives of The Netherlands (along with Linde van Schaik, who hails from Amsterdam). The international group also consists of two players from Ireland (Katie Larmour and Kerrie Burns) and one from Canada (Simrin Dhillon).

Know Your Knights: Field Hockey Freshman Daphne Groothuis
One word to describe Head Coach Meredith Civico: Mom (of the team). Because she helps the team to the best of her abilities and always looks out for everybody! As an international student, I can say that it is so great to have Meredith as Head Coach because she can make me feel like I'm at home.
Favorite place to hang out on campus: Bauer track & field complex + locker-room because of the food
Favorite professional sports team: Feyenoord!!! It is a Dutch club, located in Rotterdam (my hometown) and they were champion of the 2016-2017 season. Hopefully they become champion of the 2017-2018 season as well!!
The person I most admire is: My mom, because she does everything for me and takes care of me so well! She would ask me 10 questions per day just because she wants to know everything that is happening here and how I am doing. She is the best mom of the world and I can't wait to see her again.
One word to describe myself on the field: Eager
One word to describe myself off the field: Caring/Humble
Few people know that I: I can touch my nose with my tongue.
Person who had greatest influence on my athletics career: Trainer Jordy van der Waart had a huge influence on my personal development as a field hockey player but I wouldn't be where I am now without my parents.
I started playing field hockey because: Almost everybody in my family plays field hockey! My dad used to play and became a field hockey coach afterwards. Currently my mum is still playing field hockey as well as my younger brother Stijn. My uncle and aunts also play field hockey as well as my younger cousins. So, I guess the field hockey gene is in the family.
I chose Rutgers because: I had a really good feeling about the coaching staff as well as the team! And because of the many academic opportunities that are provided by Rutgers University.
I selected my jersey number because: I was born on 09/19/1999, so 9 is my lucky number.
Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing, I've seen it more than 10 times.
The best actor to play me in a movie is: Without a doubt: Blake Lively, I love her.
Rituals I have before, during or after a game are: I always jump 2 times on the field before the game is about to start.
Languages spoken (other than English): Dutch (fluent), German (average).
If I didn't have to sleep, I would do this with my extra time: Skyping my boyfriend! Because then the time difference wouldn't matter.
The website I visit most often is: The Rutgers field hockey website off course!
Best friend(s) on another collegiate team: My best field hockey friends are playing back at the Netherlands but I have some friends playing here in America at Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

Schedule

Players Mentioned

Kerrie Burns

Simrin Dhillon

Daphne Groothuis

Katie Larmour

Linde van Schaik

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