Rinke Dingemans '21 Recruiting Profile

Competitive gymnastics was my life for 10 years. I loved the variety of events and working hard to learn the skills and techniques needed for overall success. At the start of my 8th grade year, my family moved from the Netherlands to the United States and I decided to join the track team. The strength, perseverance and ability to learn skills quickly in gymnastics proved to be a great asset as I explored different events in track. Throughout 8th grade, freshman year and sophomore year I competed in both gymnastics and varsity track and field. The busy schedule was challenging, but I thoroughly enjoyed both sports and managed to maintain excellent grades. Before entering junior year, I decided to shift my focus in athletics fully to track and field. I became the team Captain for sprints and by the end of the indoor season, I regularly competed in hurdles, high jump and long jump; mostly placing in the top three. Occasionally I also competed in other short sprints, relays or shot-put. 

Last year’s results revealed that I thrive when I can compete in multiple events, leading to my aspiration to become a multi-eventer or heptathlete in college. While it is currently a challenge to stay on top of my game - schools have been closed since March 2020, cutting short athletics, and restricting our access to practice opportunities and coaches - I have stayed active throughout this time. In addition to running on my own and working on strength, I work with a javelin coach and a shot-put coach to improve my skills and techniques in these events. I am making quick progress and my coaches are excited about my prospects and believe I have what it takes to become a well-rounded heptathlete. What I’m looking for is a college where I’m challenged. I want to grow academically and I want to be able to contribute to a track team where I can excel as an athlete. I can't wait to compete again!