This is the story of Sports Studies student Rosalie Lawrence, who will play her first match this weekend at the Cricket World Cup in England with the Dutch women’s team. 

For Rosalie, sport has always been about enjoyment, challenge, and personal development. “I really love sports and want to inspire others to get moving as well”, she says. This passion led her to enroll in the Sports Studies program at THUAS. 

An active sport 

On June 14, they will play their first World Cup match, and Rosalie doesn’t yet know what to expect. “We’ve never played at a World Cup or in front of such a large audience. It brings a mix of nerves and excitement. I also see it with my friends and family. Just hearing the words ‘World Cup’ makes an impression,” she explains.   

Football and hockey are much more popular in the Netherlands, but Rosalie hopes to change that. “Many people have a wrong perception of the sport. Cricket matches can last a long time, which creates an image of being boring, but in reality, a lot is happening. It’s truly a very active team sport.” 

Looking ahead 

Rosalie hopes to bring back not only athletic experiences to THUAS but also insights into the organization of the World Cup. “I’m curious about how such a large event is organized and what I can learn from it for my studies.”   

For students who want to combine elite sports with studying, she has one piece of advice: “Plan well and ask for help when needed. If things become overwhelming, it’s okay to take a step back. Fortunately, THUAS provides great support in that regard.” 

We wish Rosalie the very best of luck at the World Cup!