Name: Graham Rikhof
Position: Midfield
Currently playing at: Groningen Gladiators
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 an economics student at the University of Groningen and currently finishing up my master’s degree. I’ve lived in Groningen for five years during my studies and I’m currently making plans to move in with my girlfriend someplace else. I played for four years and started in the second year I went to university, when I was 19 years old.
Congratulations with your spot on the team! What was the first thing you did when you heard?
I was on the phone with the coaches and when they told me I made the team. After the call I went to my girlfriend to tell her. She was at least as much as excited as I. I sat down and let it sink in. I can’t really recall what else happened that evening, everything else didn’t matter at that moment.
What are you most looking forward to in Denver?
Representing the Netherlands and playing as good as we possibly can as a team.
What are your expectations for Denver?
I played in the U19 World Championships in 2012, where the Netherlands made their debut on a U19 tournament so I actually do know a little of what´s coming at us. What I can tell is that the stakes are much higher here so the experience will be even more intense. We´re currently ranked 8th in the world and I think it is a healthy ambition to be willing to improve that position.
How do you interpret the 2014 MDNT motto “Destination Denver and Beyond”?
I perceive Denver and Beyond as Denver being the start of what’s coming at us in the years to come. The program has seen a 180 degree shift compared to the approaches adopted in the past. I think Denver is the proof we’re going to get that shows us we can manage the things we do the way we want them to be done. It essentially revolves around sustainability and longevity.
