A Leap of Faith: Why Wake Forest Became Home

By Dr. Brittney Clinton| Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | SportsTalk

Series Title 

“Across the Atlantic: The Global Grit of Faye Janse” 

A 4-Week Online Feature Series Interviewed by Dr. Brittney Clinton 

Choosing a university thousands of miles away is no small decision, especially when it  means stepping into the unknown. For Faye Janse, Wake Forest University represented more  than a prestigious academic and athletic opportunity—it symbolized faith, alignment, and a  vision for who she was becoming. In this conversation, Faye opens up about the defining  moments, values, and instincts that led her to call Wake Forest home. 

Dr. Brittney Clinton: What stood out to you about Wake Forest University during the  recruitment process? 

Faye Janse: What stood out to me immediately was how genuine the coaches were. They were  real people who truly cared. They were excited—not only about me joining the program, but  about who I was as a person. I could feel how much passion Jen, my head coach, has for field  hockey and for coaching. She made me feel like I didn’t need to change and cultivate any major personal attributes because adjusting to the culture that’s fostered at Wake Forest University would sharpen as I grew as a student athlete —and she was right. 

There was a real connection between us from the start. I could tell she would care deeply about  me as a person, not just as an athlete. We were honest about expectations, but I also felt  incredibly supported in what I needed, which meant a lot to me during the recruitment process.  She made me feel like I didn’t have to worry about anything—that once I arrived, everything  would be okay and taken care of, and she was absolutely right. 

Wake Forest is a private university that places a strong emphasis on both athletics and  academics. You are expected to strive for excellence on and off the field, and you are supported  every step of the way. I could tell the program was built on trust, connection, and long-term  development. Not just short-term success while you’re here, but also for life after graduation. 

The sense of community also stood out to me. Even phone calls during recruitment felt warm  and personal. People genuinely showed up for one another, and relationships truly mattered.  Everyone I spoke with said Wake Forest helped them become the best version of themselves, on  and off the field, and they were right. From the very beginning, it felt like home. Not just a team  or a university, but a family. The campus is beautiful, the people are kind, and there is truly no  place like Wake Forest. 

Dr. Brittney Clinton: What was the most challenging adjustment when you first arrived in the  U.S. as a student-athlete? 

Faye Janse: Dutch is my first language, so moving to a completely new environment with no  Dutch people around and only English being spoken was definitely the biggest challenge. My  English wasn’t very good at the beginning, but it improved quickly. Everyone was incredibly kind and patient with me, and people genuinely wanted to help. They thought it was cool that I  spoke a different language and were very supportive. 

I also had to adjust to American small talk. Everyone asks how you’re doing, and people are  friendly everywhere you go. I still get asked all the time where I’m from, and when I say the  Netherlands, people always react with excitement and say it out loud. That warmth really helped  me feel welcome. 

Dr. Brittney Clinton: How do you balance the academic rigor of Wake Forest with the demands  of Division I athletics? 

Faye Janse: My coaches and teammates constantly inspire me to strive for excellence both on  and off the field, including academically. Wake Forest provides an incredible support system  with academic advisors, tutors, and weekly planners to keep you on track, especially during your  freshman year, when they really guide you until you learn how to manage it yourself. 

My academic advisor, Brooke Taylor, is truly the best. I could reach out to her at any time, and  she always had quick and helpful answers. She helped me choose the right classes for my major in communications and minors; entrepreneurship and marketing and plan each semester properly. We also take summer classes, which helps lighten  the workload during the fall season when we’re in competition. 

One of the best tips I received was to get academic work done before practice whenever possible.  You always think you’ll do it after practice, but you’re exhausted and need time to recover. I  started waking up earlier to study before classes, which allowed me to fully focus on practice in  the afternoon without stressing about exams or assignments later. That balance has helped me  tremendously. 

Dr. Brittney Clinton: In what ways has being far from home strengthened your independence  and resilience? 

Faye Janse: Being far from home has taught me how to think for myself and form my own  opinions. I’ve learned how to travel alone, make big decisions independently, take financial  responsibility, and own my mistakes. I’ve learned that failing is okay, and even necessary. You  don’t grow without setbacks, and you don’t fully appreciate the good moments without the hard  ones. 

I’ve learned that when I take one step back, I need to bounce back with two steps forward and  never give up. I don’t immediately go to my parents with every problem anymore; instead, I try  to solve things on my own first. I even backpacked alone in Vietnam for a month, and I moved to  the U.S. by myself. Those experiences constantly remind me that I am capable of doing big  things on my own if I keep working hard.

Little girls don’t stay little girls forever. I’ve learned to appreciate my youth and everything my  parents taught me. I’m grateful for how they raised me, proud of who I’ve become because of  them, and I carry that pride with me every day. 

Dr. Brittney Clinton: How has the Wake Forest field hockey community supported your growth  both on and off the field? 

Faye Janse: Since 2023, I’ve been studying in North Carolina at Wake Forest University, and  without a doubt, it has been the best decision I’ve ever made. In a short amount of time, I’ve  experienced immense personal growth, more than I ever thought possible. I’ve met incredible  people, built meaningful friendships, and formed deep connections with individuals from all over  the world. Those relationships have made this experience even more special. 

The Wake Forest field hockey community has especially supported my growth by teaching me  the importance of gratitude. Being present and grateful, not only during the good moments, but  also during the hard ones, makes every experience more powerful and meaningful. As a team, we  take pride in giving back through volunteer work and serving other communities. It reminds us  that it’s not about us. 

Wake Forest is so much bigger than any individual. It carries a deep history, strong values, and a  powerful sense of purpose. I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of this  program and to grow in such a safe and supportive environment. One filled with amazing people,  education, athletics, and opportunities. 

I will always be thankful that Jen Averill chose me to be part of her team. She doesn’t select  players solely based on talent, but on who they are as people. That means everything to me.  Connection is one of the most important values in my life, and through Wake Forest, I’ve found  beautiful connections and unforgettable memories by keeping an open heart. 

What began as a leap of faith has evolved into a space of belonging, growth, and purpose. 

Wake Forest is not just where Faye competes—it’s where she is being shaped. Her decision  reflects the power of trusting one’s inner compass, proving that sometimes the boldest leaps lead  us exactly where we are meant to be. Follow Faye Janse’s global journey beyond the field— where sport, culture, and purpose intersect. Experience her international explorations and  student-athlete life by connecting on TikTok and Instagram @fayejanse.

For academic or  professional inquiries, Faye may be reached directly at jansfe23@wfu.edu.

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Dr. Brittney Clinton is a content educational practitioner currently serving as an Associate Professor at Westcliff University, Dissertation Committee Member, independent published author, and compassionate leader that attracts other professionals, scholars, and individuals in the community with a devoted purpose to empower, educate, and support others. Previously, Dr. Clinton served various leadership roles in Winston-Salem, NC with the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and The Order of the Eastern Star PHA 30th District. Dr. Clinton currently serves as a board member for the city of Winston-Salem, NC Appearance and Commission Board. Dr. Clinton graduated from the following prestigious institutions: Winston-Salem State University, B.A. Sociology/Elementary Education 2009, Strayer University, MA Education Leadership and Management 2012, and Capella University, Ed. D Education Leadership and Management 2015. Dr. Clinton founded the motto “Continue to be a beacon of light”; which is implemented daily while effectively illuminating a successful path for others.

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