'Often beach volleyball comes first, but studying is also very important to me'

Volleyball family

Tom truly grew up with (beach) volleyball: 'My mum always coached the youngest kids. I went along, even before I was old enough to train. It was great fun. I was always in the hall and never without a ball.'

Tom now travels all over the world for tournaments. His sister, Noa, studies in America, but also plays for TeamNL. They see each other at the tournaments. And their parents? They faithfully travel everywhere to cheer them on. 'But it's not like they push us, not at all!'

It is very special that Tom can experience this with his sister: 'Sometimes there is competition, but we wish each other all the best! And because we're in the same situation, we understand each other. It's a completely different life, so it's nice to be able to share your story with someone who is experiencing the same thing.'

Guidance on studying and elite sport

Choosing the right study programme is already challenging enough, but as an elite athlete, you have to consider additional factors that can make this choice even more difficult. Fortunately, Tom received help from various sources during his study choice. An advisor from TeamNL has helped arrange meetings with Rebekka Kadijk, the elite sports coordinator at Erasmus Sport. In addition, he received support from study advisor Menno van der Hoorn at Rotterdam School of Management.

Notably, there is a difference between high school and university, says Tom: 'At high school, I was allowed to miss everything as long as I could maintain sufficient results. At university, there are more rules to take into account.'

Double top-level sport

Menno van der Hoorn supports roughly 30 top-level athletes at RSM. As a study advisor for elite athletes, he is their permanent point of contact. He discusses the study planning in relation to their sporting activities. When bottlenecks arise concerning mandatory attendance, deadlines and examination, he tries to find a solution together with the student, in consultation with lecturers and the examination board.

Menno derives a great deal of satisfaction from his job: 'Sometimes it can be hard work because a lot has to be arranged at short notice, but on the other hand, most elite athletes are naturally disciplined, good at planning, and appreciate the guidance they receive. Obviously, it's also nice to hear their stories and follow their achievements in the media. In a way, it feels a bit like they are "my" students. I am always proud when a top athlete manages to get the most out of their sport while studying and simultaneously earns a degree. Primarily due to the achievement itself, because competing in two elite sports for several years is a remarkable accomplishment, but also because the objective of the elite sports policy has been achieved: to make the combination of top-level sport and study as feasible as possible.'

Moreover, not everything is possible, and there are conditions that top athletes must meet in order to be granted an exception. In addition, there are differences between faculties.

Travelling around the world

Meanwhile, Tom is also enjoying his IBA studies. His favourite course at the moment is Foundations of international marketing, and his favourite lecturer is dr. Alex Genevsky. And what does the future hold? This year he will be competing in the European Under-20 Championships and will need to collect points in the world tour in order to progress and develop: 'I am still a bit of a novice in the adult circuit.'

Tom truly enjoys travelling around the world through his sport: 'Last year we were in China, where they treat sport very differently. You're really seen as an idol there. It's very different from here and a special experience.'