Name: Erwin Lijklema
Position: Midfield
Currently playing at: Domstad Devils – Utrecht Lacrosse
Previously played at: MDNT U19
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? What do you do in daily life? When did you start playing lacrosse?
I’m 23 years old right now and I graduated as a first degree English teacher in January. I currently live in Utrecht, right near the beautiful city centre. I started playing about a year after I started studying here, in 2009. I’ve had some wonderful seasons with the team, reaching the final four every year but coming up short for the final. We hope to change that this year! When I’m not busy with lacrosse I teach English at a high school in Zeist. I love music, hanging around with friends and next to field practice I also like running or hitting the gym.
Congratulations with your spot on the team! What was the first thing you did when you heard?
We were in the locker room after training with the Utrecht squad, so the first thing I did was check whether any other teammates had been selected. One was, so we celebrated together!
What are you most looking forward to in Denver?
The atmosphere of playing on the world stage. I’ve been to an U19 World Championship in Finland, which was amazing. Now I get the opportunity to go to a senior Championship in the USA.
What are your expectations for Denver?
My expectations are set on us maintaining the spot that we have conquered. More importantly I want us to consolidate as a team and set the future for the next Dutch National team.
How do you interpret the 2014 MDNT motto “Destination Denver and Beyond”?
I think the set-up is great this year. The vision of the board is clear and oriented towards a more sustainable and long-term goal. The fact that these tournaments are presented as initiatives within a greater organisation is a very smart move in my opinion.
