From The Field To The Boardroom: The Value Of Athletes In Dutch Corporates
As a former Division I student-athlete at Xavier University and 20 years of management and board position in Dutch and US companies, I have witnessed the significant difference between the integration of sports and education in the United States and the Netherlands. This divide not only affects academic and athletic careers but also extends into the corporate world and the life after football for players. Why does it exist, and what can Dutch businesses learn from the American model where education and sports is a recognized integral part of individual growth and development?
The American Example: From Athlete to Leader
In the US, 68% of Fortune 500 CEOs have a background in college sports. This is no coincidence. The transition from athlete to executive is driven by qualities such as goal orientation, resilience, and a drive for excellence. Research from Cornell University (2023) shows that 93% of female executives earning over $100,000 have a sports background. Leading consultancies like McKinsey confirm that athletic experience fosters purposeful time management, adaptability, and lifelong learning—traits essential for modern organizations.
What (Student) Athletes Offer
(Student) athletes excel in teamwork, motivation, and adaptability. They lead by example, understand the value of effort, and can quickly adjust to changing circumstances. These skills are invaluable in today’s dynamic business environment.
The Dutch Divide: Missed Opportunities
In the Netherlands, sports and education are still largely separate. While there are initiatives to combine both, the focus is mainly on logistics rather than true integration. As a result, Dutch companies miss out on a diverse and talented group that could strengthen their leadership. Especially in football, prejudices persist despite its diversity and accessibility.
A Call to Action
Dutch companies should reconsider their approach. By welcoming (student) athletes, they gain access to disciplined, resilient, and driven individuals, qualities that directly contribute to business success. This requires flexible internships, mentorships, and career paths that recognize the unique strengths of student athletes.
The evidence is clear: integrating sports and education produces stronger leaders and experts. Dutch corporates have the opportunity to lead by example and build a culture where lessons from the field translate into boardroom success.
Let’s bridge the gap. Give (student) athletes in the Netherlands more opportunities in the corporate world, and watch our companies, sports teams, and society thrive.
About Maringo Vlijter
Maringo Vlijter fuses the discipline of elite athletics with boardroom mastery. A former football player at FC Utrecht, Go Ahead and NCAA Division I player in the United States, Maringo paired his sporting achievements with academic excellence—earning a BA in Advertising and Political Science from Xavier University, followed by an MA in Political Science from the University of Amsterdam.
With Dutch Surinamese heritage and a career spanning Europe and the USA, Maringo has spent over a decade in strategic management roles at leading media organizations (Sanoma, IDG etc.) and has advised top-tier clients including Royal Jaarbeurs, Pearson International, and Life After Football.
As founder of Vlijter Business Solutions, Maringo transforms vision into measurable impact—driving growth, operational excellence, and sustainable success. His unique perspective, shaped by a top-sport mentality and multicultural expertise, empowers brands to achieve lasting results in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Learn more: https://www.vlijterbusinesssolutions.com
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