When she was just 16 in January 2012,聽Julyette Steur聽of the Netherlands became one of the youngest players in CU women鈥檚 tennis history and the youngest in Nicole Kenneally鈥檚 14 years as coach. Last season, while 17 as a sophomore, Steur posted a winning record at No. 1 singles.
As a 16-year-old, was it difficult to go so far away from home and play college tennis?
I think a lot of 16-year-old girls kind of want to go away. So it was nice to get some time on my own. But then I realized I missed my family a lot. I still get homesick every semester.
How did you end up at CU after the recruiting process?
Actually, I had so little time [late in 2011]. At one point, I was just like, 鈥極K, I鈥檓 just going to pick it.鈥� A CU assistant coach came over to see me in Holland, so that meant a lot to me. And when I was talking to Nicole, I had a good feeling. That鈥檚 always important. I thought it would be great to come here, and the Pac-12 was a big thing.
You had never been to the U.S. before committing. What was it like to make a blind choice to a certain extent?聽
For me it was very important to combine studies with my sports. I need to have my mind on something else, too. At that point I couldn鈥檛 just do tennis alone. So the only option was America [since there鈥檚 nothing equivalent to college tennis in Europe].
Where were you with your schooling at that point?
I skipped two grades, so I graduated from high school two years early. Then I just did tennis for a couple of months and I thought that just wasn鈥檛 my thing right then. I had to grow up a little to be able to do that.
How many college players were as young as you when you started playing college tennis?
Usually college players are at least 18. I haven鈥檛 met one that was 16. A couple are 17 that I can think of.
Is it encouraging that you鈥檙e only 17 and you鈥檙e already playing No. 1 singles and competing against some of the best players in the nation?
That鈥檚 really exciting. Most of the players I play are juniors and seniors. I want to get to that point when I鈥檓 a junior or senior that I鈥檓 beating them.
How would you judge your progression in college?
All the time I鈥檝e been here, I鈥檝e improved a lot, I鈥檇 say. The physical stuff we did was very good for me. I was really small, tiny, when I first came here. When I came home, my parents were like, 鈥榊our shoulders are a little bigger.鈥�
Is facing some of the best players in the Pac-12 intimidating or is it good for your growth as a player?
Last year it was very intimidating. But now I can look at them and learn from them. I think, 鈥極h, I need that shot, too.鈥� That just helps.
Both your mom [Sylvia] and aunt [Kirstin Freye] played professional tennis. I assume you want to do that also?
Yes, I would love to.
How long has that been an aspiration of yours?
Since forever, I would say. It鈥檚 a passion.
When did you first play tennis, and when did you take it up seriously?
I started when I was 8 and started seriously two years after.
What languages do you speak?
German, Dutch, English and a little bit of Spanish.
Photo courtesy Colorado Athletics
