Signee Spotlight: Josephine Veen

The Duke field hockey program is thrilled to welcome four newcomers to the Blue Devil family this fall. The group hails from three different states – New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas – and one country – the Netherlands.

We've introduced Kyle Massey, Sophia Miller and Maggie Kondrath. Our final introduction from the Class of 2023 is Netherlands native Josephine Veen.

Pam Bustin on Josephine

"Josephine has a solid dose of field hockey DNA. Both her parents represented the Netherlands on the pitch and her brother currently represents the Dutch U21 National Team. Josephine not only brings an innate understanding and appreciation for the game, but she also will contribute her competitive spirit. I look forward to watching Josephine's defensive alertness and attacking skill set help lead Duke to many on-field successes. Josephine is thoughtful and intuitive. These qualities led her to choosing Duke and will guide her to enjoy Duke life both on and off the field. We are thrilled to embrace Josephine within the Blue Devil Family."

About Josephine Veen

Coming to Durham from Zeist, which is located in the Utrecht province in the Netherlands, Veen comes from a field hockey family. Unlike in the United States where scholastic athletes play for both their schools and club programs, Veen played only for the hockey club Schaerweijde because her school Christelijk Lyceum Zeist does not have athletics teams.

In 2017, Veen helped lead Schaerweijde to the U14 national championship as a central defender. Throughout her high school years, the 5-6 defender played in the national league and captured several regional titles.

Now in her senior and final season, Veen was invited to play in the first ladies team of the club, which plays at the third highest level of the Netherlands. During her time with the club, she was also selected to the regional team and was chosen as a captain.

A clever player as noted by Bustin, Veen also has been a part of the Netherlands National Team program, playing for the U12, U14 and U16 squads. She most recently was a part of the pre-selections of the U18 team in December 2021.

Veen's field hockey DNA runs deep as both her parents played field hockey professionally in the Netherlands. They both played in the Olympics in Sydney (2000), Atlanta (1996) and Barcelona (1992). Her father, Stephan, won two Olympic Gold medals, while her mother, Suzan, garnered a pair of Olympic Bronze medals. Her brother, Lucas, is a current member of the Dutch U21 National Team and plays in the highest league in the Netherlands.

Josephine Veen Collage of pictures

Learn more about Josephine

Favorite Athlete
I have a favorite female and male athlete. The female athlete is field hockey player Eva de Goede and the male athlete is tennis player Roger Federer.

How did you start playing field hockey?
I played various other sports aside from field hockey, like ballet, tennis, break dancing, horseback riding and skiing. I officially started playing field hockey when I was six years old, but when I was around two years old I started playing with my brother in the garden and my love for field hockey started then.

What has been your favorite subject or class you have taken?
Science

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I don't have any rituals, but sometimes I like to listen to pregame music.

Hobbies
I love baking, especially tiny pastries and macarons. I also love to hang out with my friends and being creative, such as making bags and doing pottery.

If you were to play another sport, what would it be?
Probably track and field

Interesting fact about yourself/hidden talent?
I have taught my dog many tricks, for example skateboarding and catching his stuffed animals

You win the lottery of $500 million. What is the first thing you buy?
I would probably open a bakery and donate the money to several clinical studies.

#GoDuke

Signee Spotlight: Josephine Veen

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