van Mourik
Editors note: Press Pass Sports will profile a West Texas A&M student-athlete each week from various sports.
Marlene van Mourik, West Texas A&M soccer
Year: Senior
Position: Centerback
Major:Management marketing.
Hometown: Hovborg, Denmark.
About van Mourik: The Denmark native has played in 59 matches with 47 career starts. Over her four-year career she’s scored 11 goals and 13 assists.
In four games this season, van Mourik is one of the leading players on the team playing in 348 minutes.
Her 136 career shots ranks seventh in program history while her 13 assists are the 10th most.
van Mourik highlighted her junior when she made a game-winning penalty kick to clinch the Lady Buffs first ever NCAA South Central Regional championship.
van Mourik took time out her schedule to speak Press Pass Sports about her career, and coming to WT from Denmark.
Coming from Denmark how did you find WT?
“My dad did business around this area years ago. Some families recommended WT and I didn’t want to stay in Denmark at the time.”
How many miles from are you?
“It’s 5,000 miles, exactly. I can’t go home often.”
How are you liking West Texas A&M?
“I love it. I really like the people. The people are really nice and it makes it feel like another home to me.”
How much have you desired your time with Lady Buff soccer?
“It’s been amazing. Last year we won the regional championship for the first time, and it was awesome. I actually made the winning penalty kick in that game. I promised myself I would after I missed one the week before. I was able go make it and we beat Dallas Baptist. It was just part of a very special season.”
What is favorite your favorite part of being in Canyon and WT?
“I love getting to know the community and building relationships. I’m involved in a lot of student organizations, so just getting to know so many people has been the best part.”
What do you find different here in the United States than in Denmark?
“There are more opportunities here in the United State for a career. Denmark is a great place but a much smaller country.”
What’s the go-to food in Denmark?
“For me, it’s my mom’s food. She makes a lot of great food. Everytime I come home the first thing she makes me is tomato soup with garlic bread. That’s probably my favorite.”
What do you miss about home?
“The milk. I grew up on a farm, and I’m used to drinking a lot our milk.”