Introducing Hendrik de Ruiter

Name: Hendrik de Ruiter
Position: Defense
Currently playing at: Hoboken, NJ
Played at: Muhlenberg College, MDNT ’12.

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 live in Hoboken, NJ moving from Allentown, Pennsylvania where I attended College. I grew up in New York and currently work as a Jr. Trader at R. Seelaus & Co. Two years ago I had the opportunity to tryout for the MDNT while studying abroad in Maastricht and participated in the 2012 European Championship. Lacrosse started for me when I was 10 years old and I eventually ended up playing Division III lacrosse at Muhlenberg college. My parents currently live in Amsterdam and I have one older sister who resides in San Francisco, California.

Congratulations with your spot on the team! What was the first thing you did when you heard?

I was extremely excited when I got the email that I had been selected for the team. First thing I did was call my parents and told them that they should book a flight to Denver!

What are you most looking forward to in Denver?

I am looking forward to reuniting with my teammates that I competed with during the EC’s and showing the international lacrosse community how much Dutch lacrosse has grown in a short time.

What are your expectations for Denver?

I expect us to grow from our experience in EC’s and advance into the elimination rounds, it’s anyone’s game from there.

How do you interpret the 2014 MDNT motto “Destination Denver and Beyond”?

This phrase encompasses the efforts and commitments of a group of people who have made the decision to grow the sport of lacrosse in the Netherlands. It’s not just about the players who wish to compete and represent their country in an international tournament, but everyone who has contributed to making this idea a reality.

Hendrik de Ruiter