Thomas Haitsma #84
For anyone dreaming of playing for Oranje: go for it! Dare to dream big, commit to the journey, and embrace the challenge.
My experience as a national team player - Thomas Haitsma #84
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My Journey as a Dutch National Team lacrosse player started back in 2014, when I first moved to Groningen to study at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG). During one of my first lacrosse practices with the Groningen Gladiators, I met teammate Lionel van Est—fresh off from the 2014 Men’s World Lacrosse Championships in Denver. Seeing him in his orange Nederland Lacrosse gear and hearing his incredible stories from the tournament, I knew I wanted to be a part of that journey. From that moment, and with advice from Lionel to join the National Team open practices, I committed to working as hard as possible to earn my spot on the Dutch National Team.
That dream became reality for me in 2018 when I made my debut at the World Championships in Israel. Stepping onto the field in Orange, standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates as we sang the national anthem—it was a feeling I will never forget. It’s in those moments that you realize you’re not just playing for yourself, but for your country, your teammates, and the future of lacrosse in the Netherlands. The lacrosse community in the Netherlands is small but strong, and with the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, I believe that the future of Dutch Lacrosse is brighter than ever.
Being on the national team pushes you to be your best, both on and off the field. But getting there—and staying there—doesn’t come easy. It takes dedication, discipline, and an unwavering work ethic. Since lacrosse is a small, self-funded sport in the Netherlands, every national team player must find the balance between a full-time career (or study) and the daily grind of training, improving, and competing at the highest level. It requires sacrifice, but every early morning workout, every long training session, and every challenge along the way is worth it. You build lifelong friendships, travel the world, and experience the thrill of representing your country on the biggest stage.
