Laura Middel's 94 combined victories in singles and doubles is fifth best in the history of the MSU women's tennis program.
Photo by: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez
Bobcat Tennis Standout Makes Most of Decision to Attend Montana State
5/5/2017 5:45:00 PM | Women's Tennis
“I chose to come to Montana State because I had a click with the team, coach, and professors in the JJCBE right away,” Middel said. “They made me feel welcome and treated me like I have always been here. I knew I was not just going to be 'a number' like I would be at a larger school, and instead would actually make an impact and feel part of a very supportive community.”
As the crow flies, Hoogezand to Bozeman is just over 4,600 miles, which is not exactly a days' jaunt from the next town or state over where an incoming freshman can still feel confident in their independence as they cut the umbilical cord.
However, for a reserved kid from the Netherlands dealing with a new language and in reality, a new world, the decision to leave her native land for Montana was obviously not an easy one.
"Leaving my friends and family behind to study and play tennis on the other side of the world was not easy, but I certainly do not regret my decision," said Laura Middel, who recently wrapped up her tennis career at Montana State. "I think I was very shy at the start of my freshman year since I could not communicate with people in my native language, and I was afraid to embarrass myself."
Middel, who received her fourth straight All-Big Sky Conference accolade after being named first-team doubles with partner Chloe Goyette on Friday, adapted quickly to her new surroundings and found comfort on a team with, perhaps, the most varied roster in the Montana State Athletics Department.
She also found security in the classroom. The Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship, which opened its new facility in May of 2015, is known as the most creative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial business school in the region.
"I chose to come to Montana State because I had a click with the team, coach, and professors in the JJCBE right away," Middel said. "They made me feel welcome and treated me like I have always been here. I knew I was not just going to be 'a number' like I would be at a larger school, and instead would actually make an impact and feel part of a very supportive community."
For Middel, who racked-up 40 career victories in singles, and who could arguably be the best doubles player in school history with a four-year ledger of 54-19, her biggest achievement at Montana State has come off the hardcourt of the Bobcat-Anderson Tennis Center.
Friday night, Middel will be honored as the recipient of the Dean's Award for Excellence in the finance option as awarded by the Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship. And on Saturday afternoon, she will make the short trek across the stage in Worthington Arena to receive her diploma.
"I am very honored to be receiving this award, and I want to thank each of my professors for being so considerate towards my demanding schedule," Middel said. "Being a full-time student while also competing on a varsity tennis team has caused me to miss countless days of school during my college career. Without their great understanding and willingness to work with me, even outside office hours, I would not have been able to excel both in the classroom, and on the tennis court. So a big thank you to all of them, and the academic coordinators within the athletic department."
Middel plans on staying in the Gallatin Valley and will pursue a Masters of Professional Accountancy degree at MSU in the fall. She also plans to be part of the women's tennis staff as a graduate assistant.
"We are incredibly proud of Laura and all that she has achieved and accomplished both on and off the court," said MSU head coach Jon Reeves. "This is a tremendous award that she has been honored with and we are thrilled for her success. She is an absolute rock star in the classroom and also as a captain of our team. We are so fortunate and excited to have her move into a coaching role with our program next season."
Middel is no longer the bashful girl from the town known for its ship building industry in Northeast Netherlands. Her decision to come to Montana State four years ago has paid dividends. She developed into a strong leader both on and off the court. And, she'd be the first to tell you, that the inviting nature of the women's tennis team, along with the outstanding people in the JJCBE helped form the vision for any future endeavors.
"Having such a diverse tennis team made me feel at home right away, and it basically provided me with ten instant friends," Middel commented. "I learned to open up and that it is alright to make mistakes.
"The language comes so natural to me right now that I am sometimes afraid that my Dutch is slowly deteriorating," Middel chuckled.
However, for a reserved kid from the Netherlands dealing with a new language and in reality, a new world, the decision to leave her native land for Montana was obviously not an easy one.
"Leaving my friends and family behind to study and play tennis on the other side of the world was not easy, but I certainly do not regret my decision," said Laura Middel, who recently wrapped up her tennis career at Montana State. "I think I was very shy at the start of my freshman year since I could not communicate with people in my native language, and I was afraid to embarrass myself."
Middel, who received her fourth straight All-Big Sky Conference accolade after being named first-team doubles with partner Chloe Goyette on Friday, adapted quickly to her new surroundings and found comfort on a team with, perhaps, the most varied roster in the Montana State Athletics Department.
She also found security in the classroom. The Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship, which opened its new facility in May of 2015, is known as the most creative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial business school in the region.
"I chose to come to Montana State because I had a click with the team, coach, and professors in the JJCBE right away," Middel said. "They made me feel welcome and treated me like I have always been here. I knew I was not just going to be 'a number' like I would be at a larger school, and instead would actually make an impact and feel part of a very supportive community."
For Middel, who racked-up 40 career victories in singles, and who could arguably be the best doubles player in school history with a four-year ledger of 54-19, her biggest achievement at Montana State has come off the hardcourt of the Bobcat-Anderson Tennis Center.
Friday night, Middel will be honored as the recipient of the Dean's Award for Excellence in the finance option as awarded by the Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship. And on Saturday afternoon, she will make the short trek across the stage in Worthington Arena to receive her diploma.
"I am very honored to be receiving this award, and I want to thank each of my professors for being so considerate towards my demanding schedule," Middel said. "Being a full-time student while also competing on a varsity tennis team has caused me to miss countless days of school during my college career. Without their great understanding and willingness to work with me, even outside office hours, I would not have been able to excel both in the classroom, and on the tennis court. So a big thank you to all of them, and the academic coordinators within the athletic department."
Middel plans on staying in the Gallatin Valley and will pursue a Masters of Professional Accountancy degree at MSU in the fall. She also plans to be part of the women's tennis staff as a graduate assistant.
"We are incredibly proud of Laura and all that she has achieved and accomplished both on and off the court," said MSU head coach Jon Reeves. "This is a tremendous award that she has been honored with and we are thrilled for her success. She is an absolute rock star in the classroom and also as a captain of our team. We are so fortunate and excited to have her move into a coaching role with our program next season."
Middel is no longer the bashful girl from the town known for its ship building industry in Northeast Netherlands. Her decision to come to Montana State four years ago has paid dividends. She developed into a strong leader both on and off the court. And, she'd be the first to tell you, that the inviting nature of the women's tennis team, along with the outstanding people in the JJCBE helped form the vision for any future endeavors.
"Having such a diverse tennis team made me feel at home right away, and it basically provided me with ten instant friends," Middel commented. "I learned to open up and that it is alright to make mistakes.
"The language comes so natural to me right now that I am sometimes afraid that my Dutch is slowly deteriorating," Middel chuckled.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Tennis
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/ Women's TennisWednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Friday, March 13
Thursday, March 12
