Soccer
“I’ve Already Made My Dream Come True: I’m Going to Play Soccer in America”
“I’ve already made my dream come true: I’m going to play soccer in America,” beams sixteen-year-old Julie van de Veen. As goalkeeper for OVC’85 (MO17), she’s gearing up for a new adventure this fall at Pellissippi State Community College in Tennessee. Her journey fits perfectly with DHL’s #Samedream campaign and the inspiring Droomsupporters video series, in which former hockey player and presenter Naomi van As follows young talents as they chase their biggest dreams.

Written by
Christoph Willemsen
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What Is “Droomsupporters”?
“Droomsupporters” showcases that ambition has no gender. Research shows fewer than a third of Dutch girls aged 13–18 dare to dream of a pro sports career—versus over half of the boys. In her series filmed at Hotel Papendal, former hockey star Naomi van As talks with young athletes about dreaming big, overcoming setbacks, and achieving success.
Julie’s Soccer Journey
Julie’s path began at age nine in a mixed U13 team, where she immediately won back-to-back championships. Always training up an age group, she progressed to U15 and then U17—each time in the top division. The highlight: captaining the U17 side in a decisive penalty shoot-out, making two key saves to clinch the title.
Early on, Julie alternated halves as striker and keeper, sharpening both her technical skills and game intelligence—traits that define her as a modern goalkeeper. Now fully committed to the goal, her background as a forward still gives her exceptional comfort with the ball at her feet.
“That versatility gives me the confidence to make a difference whenever I get the chance,” Julie explains.

The Leap to America
For Julie, the American college experience is irresistible: it offers the perfect blend of elite sport and academics—exactly what she has always dreamed of. At Pellissippi State Community College, she won’t just follow an ambitious six-day-a-week training schedule; she’ll also join a tight-knit team culture where every player pushes each other on and off the field.
On the field, she can’t wait for the intensity of college soccer: “I can’t wait to see how my reflexes and game sense develop here,” she says.
But there’s more than soccer and college jargon. Julie sees the U.S. as a unique opportunity for personal growth. She knows that in America she’ll be tested not just athletically but also as a person: adapting to a new language, navigating a different culture, and balancing independence with academic and athletic commitments.
Commitment
- School: Pellissippi State Community College (Fall 2025)
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Follow her journey: Recruiting Profile & Video
With this move, Julie proves she not only dares to dream but also has the courage to make that dream come true—across the ocean.
How Plus31 Sports Supports Athletes
Plus31 Sports guides athletes through every step of their U.S. college soccer journey with a proven five-step process:
- Intake & Evaluation: We explain the entire system, review your athletic and academic profile, and map out a custom recruitment plan—completely free.
- Profile & Video: We create your polished online résumé and a standout highlight reel that grabs coaches’ attention.
- Coach Introductions: Leveraging our network, we connect you with target programs, prep you for interviews, and manage all follow-ups.
- Offers & Decisions: We help compare scholarship packages, advise on campus visits, and negotiate the best National Letter of Intent.
- Paperwork & College Support: From SAT registration and NCAA eligibility to visa applications, pre-departure logistics, and on-campus assistance, we handle the details so you can focus on playing and studying.
Inspiration for Other Girls
Julie’s story proves that big dreams pay off. Her advice:
“Keep working on your technique, push beyond your comfort zone, and believe in yourself. Then every opportunity—whether in the Netherlands or America—is within reach.”
Watch the full Droomsupporters episode to follow her journey, and discover how you too can make your American college soccer dream a reality.
- 🔗 Learn more about College Soccer in the USA
- 🔗 Explore Soccer Scholarships
- 📩 Request a free consultation: info@plus31sports.com
Dare to dream. Dare to do.
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