Laura Wissink dream is to play collegiate softball in the United States. 18 years old, living in Enschede, Netherlands on her own. She works as a waitress outside of softball. But on top of softball and work, she's studying civil engineering. Laura credits her brother for starting her on her softball journey. He played baseball and she decided to play too. Lindsey Meadows, former Louisiana Tech pitcher, moved to Enschede 10 years ago and has trained and inspired Laura to take the leap.

Photo: Laura Wissink

Wissink, a towering 6-2 third baseman with an amazing swing. Laura has crafted her softball game to this point and she wants to take it a step further. Surrounding herself with the best players in the states seems like the most logical step. No financial support from her parents, she works to make ends meet. I love the fact that she's going for it.




What a crazy dream? A little girl who is now a big girl living in Enschede, Netherlands is willing to take a chance to ask the softball world to help her start her dream. Laura is campaigning to raise funds to buy her ticket to the states to play in the Surf City Early Thanksgiving Tournament. This tournament as many of you know is one of the last showcase tournaments of the Fall. The Dutch dream is a dream within reach.

Finishing her senior year at Cal Berkeley is Britt Vonk, who is also from Enschede, Netherlands. Britt, a seven time Dutch National Team member, made the PAC 12 All-Freshmen Team and NFCA All-Pacific Region Team. Vonk certainly opened the door to possibilities for Dutch softball players to continue their softball journey. Britt took the same chance boarding a plane and playing in a showcase tournament. Maybe Laura have the same luck.

Meet Laura Wissink: It's 2am and she's up talking with me about her life and softball.


UPDATE: With a lots of love from the softball community, Laura raised 620 euros to fly to Los Angeles, CA for the Surf City Early Thanksgiving Tournament. She will be playing for Team TFS - Stiggy. It's ALL HAPPENING!!!!


Laura Wissink's Surf City Early Thanksgiving Tournament Schedule

11/20 Friday - Huntington Beach Sports Complex
Field 2: 12:30 Team TFS - Stiggy vs. NM Sundance PK
Field 2: 2:00 Team TFS - Stiggy vs. Oregon Blaze

11/21 Saturday - Bill Barber Community Park
Field 4: 1:20 Team TFS - Stiggy vs. So Cal 3D
Field 4: 2:40 Team TFS - Stiggy vs. So Cal Breakers Imoto
Field 4: 6:40 Team TFS - Stiggy vs. OC Batbusters

11/22 Sunday - Bill Barber Community Park
Field 4: 8:00am Team TFS - Stiggy vs. Dirt Dogs Harger
Field 4: 9:30am Team TFS - Stiggy vs. Firecrackers AZ