Van der Veer named to All-PSAC team

Finishing up a college career is a bittersweet moment for any collegiate athlete, but senior Jorn van der Veer is ending his career with a proud moment to say the least.

Van der Veer was named an All-PSAC selection in singles as announced on Friday April, 26.

The senior from Hoofddorp, Netherlands adds this honor to his PSAC Champion Scholar Award he won last week prior to the latest Mercyhurst match against Kutztown at the PSAC Championships. Van der Veer has also maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his career as well.

“Making the list in singles this year is a nice way to finish my career. It is great to see that the hard work and my results are being recognized by the league,” van der Veer said.
Being one of two seniors leaving the team this year, van der Veer has made a strong impact on the team throughout his scholastic career.

“The team has struggled ever since I got here, because of various reasons. Although tennis is more individual than most college sports, it has always been hard to see the team struggle like that. But I feel like the team is on the right track now. This season we did a lot better as a team than last year,” van der Veer said.
Playing at No. 1 singles, van der Veer went 9-7 in singles competition during his 2012-13 season, and a 8-5 record in dual matches.

Dave Leisering: Senior Jorn van der Veer went 9-7 in singles, and 8-5 in doubles this season.Dave Leisering: Senior Jorn van der Veer went 9-7 in singles, and 8-5 in doubles this season.
“The biggest moment in my college career would probably be during my first year here, being only one win away from making it to the national tournament in doubles. Leaving the league as the Champion Scholar-Athlete and a three-time All-PSAC selection is definitely something that I will always remember,” van der Veer said.

Van der Veer is finishing his career at Mercyhurst with a 26-27 record in singles and a 36-21 mark in doubles. He also has received All-PSAC selection in doubles twice, but this was his first postseason honor in singles.

“I started playing tennis when I was six years old, and competing in matches has been an important part of my life ever since. I’ll miss having the opportunity to go out and compete, being able to do what I practiced for my whole life,” van der Veer said.

The Lakers are ending their season with a record of 6-11, with their last game being at Kutztown University on Saturday, April 20.