Originally from the Netherlands, 6 ‘5 center Evie Van Der Woude makes her return to the FAU women’s basketball team for her second season. Woude made her collegiate debut last year during the season opener against Mercer.

Woude found her love for basketball after some of her family members started playing the sport. After seven years of playing field hockey, she decided to try something new. She instantly fell in love with the sport and decided that there was no reason to try any anything else. Woude’s biggest influence in life would be her mom. 

“She has been so supportive and gives me confidence to just do it,” Woude said 

 Prior to her time at FAU, Woude played for Orange Lions Academy in the Netherlands. When asked about how her time there prepped her into the player that FAU has today, she responded that living on her own at 16 years old and playing basketball twice a day built up her endurance, helped develop her leadership skills and independence.

 “Practicing twice a day made me get better quicker and grow a lot,” Woude said. 

During her time in Amsterdam, she learned how to use her height and body to her advantage. Playing back home was less fast-paced and physical for Woude, so during the offseason she worked on developing and honing her skills and getting stronger. 

“We have been working on rebounding in practice and being more physical so I am excited to put it on the court,” she said.  

Last season was only a stepping stone for the eager sophomore, she is back this season and ready to show her true talents and make her mark. 

“This season I hope to be the go-to post-player, getting rebounds, and creating opportunities for my teammates,” Woude said.

Last season, Woude had a career high in rebounds against St. Thomas. She has been working hard during the off-season to bring more intensity on defense  to the court and reach new career highs.

“I have been working on getting new moves in my bag, and getting stronger,” Woude said.

Aside from spending her time building new skills on the court, Woude has been enjoying all that Boca has to offer, especially the weather. 

“I love the beach and the weather, I really love being here,” Woude said.

With the women’s basketball season less than 22 days away, Evie says that she is excited to get on the court and play. She is highly anticipating teaming up against her former teammate when they play against Tulane on Dec. 29th, and her close friend when they play against Temple on Jan. 8th.   

Woude can’t wait for the new season. She hopes everyone will come out to the games and see how hard she and her teammates have been working during the off-season.