By Pia Perthen, Contributing Writer
Many will probably connect the word “Dutchman” with the legendary ship of the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” starring Jonny Depp and Orlando Bloom, or others could associate the word with the opera “Flying Dutchman” from Richard Wagner and captain Bernard Fokke. But, at Saint Leo University, the expression “Dutchman” brings to mind student athlete Bas Vermeulen.
Bas Vermeulen, who hails from the Netherlands, is an experienced student in Saint Leo, who is in his fifth year and currently pursuing his MBA with a specialization in data analytics. However, apart from being a diligent student, and a successful resident assistant, Vermeulen has one other role on campus which defines his daily life at Saint Leo.
Vermeulen pursues his dream as an athlete in the Saint Leo Men’s golf team. While these three different aspects–student, RA, and golfer–have all helped him become the person he is today and have enormously shaped his time at Saint Leo, golf is his ultimate passion.
“I love to play golf and playing on the course is a mix of excitement and fun, which is an awesome combination,” said Vermeulen.
His key to managing golf, schoolwork, and work as an RA is time management. Vermeulen plans his week out and is able to be flexible and adapt easily if something might change.
Focusing on his golfer side, Vermeulen has experienced good golf and great times with his teammates and has made it to the NCAA National Championships in his freshman year with the team.
“The whole tournament week was breathtaking, and the support from my teammates and parents was awesome,” said Vermeulen.
However, every athlete experiences highs and lows—Vermeulen, unfortunately, suffered from a non-cancerous cyst in his hip that was as big as a golf ball and left him unable to play golf for a long time. Vermeulen did not have an easy time, but kept himself busy after surgery by reading books and with extra recovery exercises in order to return to the golf course more quickly. Fortunately, he received tremendous support from his swing coach, mental coach, and parents.
“I am still fighting back from the injury, but I am taking it step by step and day by day and keep going,” said Vermeulen. “It is definitely important to be surrounded by the right people.” Currently, he is back again, grinding on the golf course and trying to make his last semester count.
Because Vermeulen has already been in Saint Leo for a long time, he has gained some valuable experience. He believes it is essential to get involved for freshmen and is amazed at how many opportunities this university offers.
“Almost everyone is away from home, and it is vital to bond with other people and form friendships which could last for a lifetime,” he said.
