From Dutch Fields to Demon Deacon Turf: The Making of Faye Janse

By Dr. Brittney Clinton | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | SportsTalk

Series Title 

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

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

Faye Janse | Wake Forest University Hockey 2026

From the quiet, disciplined fields of the Netherlands to the competitive intensity of Wake  Forest University, Faye Janse’s journey is a story shaped by grit, global perspective, and  unwavering passion. Her path to becoming a Demon Deacon hockey student-athlete is not one of  chance, but of intentional growth—cultivated through early mornings, cultural transitions, and a  relentless commitment to excellence.

In this feature, Faye reflects on the roots that grounded her  and the milestones that forged her into a competitor ready to thrive on an international stage. 

Dr. Brittney Clinton: Growing up in the Netherlands, how did field hockey become part of your  identity and daily life? 

Faye Janse: I started playing field hockey when I was four years old. In the United States, it’s  common to try many different sports before choosing one, but for me, field hockey was my  passion from the very beginning. I spent my summers at camps with my friends and my sister,  and I was always part of the first team. 

My club was called HDM, and I played with the same group of girls throughout my entire youth.  We grew up together, and it truly felt like a family. HDM became a huge part of my identity.  When I was twelve, I was selected for the District teams, and not long after, I made the U16  national team. 

I trained intensely and eventually reached the Hoofdklasse, the highest level of club hockey in  the Netherlands, which is essentially professional. This had been my dream since I was a little  girl, and it was incredibly special to play at that level for the club where it all started, because I never transferred. Some of the coaches I played under had coached me earlier in my youth,  which made the experience even more meaningful. 

Our youth program was very strong. My team finished first nationally outdoors and second  indoors. These are achievements and moments I will never forget.

Dr. Brittney Clinton: What values from Dutch culture show up most in how you train, compete,  and lead today? 

Faye Janse: Growing up in the Netherlands, I learned to play field hockey with passion and  emotion. I performed better when I played with fire in me. I am a very intuitive player, so you can often see how I feel through the way I  play. 

That showed a lot during my first year in the U.S., but I’ve since learned how to manage my  emotions better. My coach here values my passion and intensity, but also expects control, so that  energy is used in the right way and I don’t get carded. ;) 

Dutch culture is known for its directness, and I definitely brought that with me to the United  States. At first, some people were surprised by how honest and straightforward I was, but they  respected it because I stayed true to myself. They knew I always had their best interests at heart. 

Trust is something you have to build, and that’s what I’ve done over the past two years within  my team. Being named captain is an honor, because it means people trust me and trust my word.  I’m incredibly grateful for that responsibility, and I always put my team above myself. I  communicate to the coaches what the needs of the team are, and I take pride in being that bridge. 

I’ve learned that being a captain doesn’t mean people serve you, but it means you serve them.  Leadership is about listening, supporting, and showing up every day for your teammates. 

As a captain this year, I lead with loyalty, honesty, and empathy toward my teammates and  coaches. I compete to be the best version of myself today, always trying to be better than I was  yesterday. I can’t stand losing, so I’ll do everything in my power to win, even if it’s a “small”  game in practice. I practice the way I play in games, to make myself and the people around me  better and fully prepared. 

Dr. Brittney Clinton: Can you recall a defining moment when you realized hockey was more  than a sport—it was part of your purpose? 

Faye Janse: That moment came when I was on the airplane for the first time, flying from the  Netherlands to the United States. I realized that field hockey had brought me across the world— not only to study, but to play the sport I love. A sport I have always been deeply passionate about  opened doors I never imagined.

Through hockey, I’ve met incredible people from all over the world and formed friendships I am  extremely grateful for. Since coming to America, I’ve learned that it’s about “WE” before  “ME”. Field hockey is a powerful team sport, and you are never alone, because you are  surrounded by strong, and inspiring women. 

My purpose in hockey is to play for something bigger than myself: for my teammates, my  coaches, and everyone who came before me and worked hard to build Wake Forest’s program  and who wore Wake’s jersey as well.  

I also play for the legacy of Maria Whitehead. She wore number five and was a member of our  team who tragically passed away from melanoma. She inspires us every day to keep fighting.  She had an incredible passion for life and an unbreakable spirit. Her mindset was stronger than  her illness, and her legacy continues to guide us. 

Dr. Brittney Clinton: Who were your earliest influences in your athletic journey, and how did  they help shape your confidence? 

Faye Janse: My family was my earliest and biggest influence. My parents didn’t play field  hockey, and they never pressured me into anything, but they raised me in an active environment.  Through biking, squash, tennis, and running, they taught me the importance of movement and a  healthy relationship with both food and fitness. 

They supported me in every way and came to all my matches. My grandfather, Cor Janse, was  also a huge influence. He continued playing soccer well into his seventies and brought me along  to his matches and his club. He attended all my games and stayed active until he was diagnosed  with a brain tumor.

I am incredibly proud to call him my grandfather. He was a hero in my eyes. 

My family built my confidence simply by showing up. They paid attention, remembered specific  moments from my games, and told me how much they loved watching me play. Knowing they  truly saw me made all the difference. 

Dr. Brittney Clinton: How has representing your home country—even while studying abroad— impacted your sense of responsibility and pride?

Faye Janse: It has taught me to be proud of being real and honest. Having a different opinion  and expressing it openly is something I value deeply. While that openness was unfamiliar to  some at first, I take pride in staying true to who I am, and never try to be somebody else.  

Living in the United States has also taught me to seek understanding and to engage in  meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. I’ve learned  that you can respect differences while still working through them together. 

I am proud to be honest and direct with my teammates, coaches, and friends. I share my truth,  knowing that everyone’s truth can be different. That openness allows people to be themselves  while respecting one another’s values, with curiosity, empathy, and understanding. 

Faye Janse’s story reminds us that greatness is rarely confined to geography—it is carried  within. As she continues to leave her mark on Demon Deacon turf, her journey stands as a  testament to what is possible when preparation meets purpose. From Dutch fields to collegiate  competition, Faye’s making is still unfolding, and the world is watching with anticipation. 

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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