Student athletes and the art of balancing athletics and education
Tilburg University’s Wall of Fame welcomes two new inductees this year. Cindy van der Zanden plays softball and has recently qualified for the final round of the 2024 World Championship with Team Kingdom of the Netherlands Women's Fastpitch. Davy Brand has won multiple Dutch and European titles in martial arts, including that of European Kyokushin champion in 2016 and 2021. In 2022, he became world champion.
The Wall of Fame showcases, celebrates, and honors students who combine (or have combined) their studies with their athletic careers. As noted by Ferenc Jongejan, Dual Career Officer & Coordinator Flexstudy at Tilburg University, when expressing his thoughts on studying and participating in professional sports, “duality is very important – students should not put their studies on hold to prioritize their athletic careers or vice versa. Thus, by providing tailor-made educational, technical, and financial support, Tilburg University seeks to accommodate its student athletes in order to ensure that they are maximizing the cognitive benefits of their dual careers."
I have not had much need for flexibility from the university. The fact that the support was there provided a lot of peace of mind. That did help me.
Davy Brand
Not all student athletes fall back on the university’s support system. However, both Cindy and Davy felt reassured that the university makes such services available. Davy: “I have not had much need for flexibility from the university. The fact that the support was there provided a lot of peace of mind. That did help me.” Cindy hasn’t made much use of the facilities offered either. “Knowing you can get help, that you have a point of contact you can always go to, who can think along with you about issues you encounter, that makes a big difference.” Ferenc recognizes that indeed some student athletes rely more on guidance than others. Ultimately what is important is that the current 150 student athletes know that guidance in their dual careers is at their disposal.
It's really cool that I was ultimately elected. It feels like a nice recognition for what we have achieved as a team and of course also for myself. Where many years of hard work have brought me as a student and softball player.
Cindy van der Zanden
Both inductees were happy to have their academic and athletic efforts and accomplishments recognized. Cindy: “It's really cool that I was ultimately elected. It feels like a nice recognition for what we have achieved as a team and of course also for myself. Where many years of hard work have brought me as a student and softball player.” Davy: “Nice recognition for myself. And it's cool that the university does this for student athletes.”