HOUSTON – Rice soccer head coach Brian Lee announced the addition of junior transfer Mijke Roelfsema to the Owls’ roster for the upcoming 2019 season.

Roelfsema is a 5-8 defender from The Netherlands who played the last two seasons at Boston College. A year ago she started 15 matches and logged more than 1,300 total minutes for an Atlantic Coast Conference program that posted a 14-5-1 record and earned a Top 16 national seed in the NCAA Tournament. Where Roelfsma was a key part of swarming Golden Eagle defense that held opponents to an austere 8.5 shots per game, she also provided an attacking presence out of the backline. A year ago the native of Den Haag scored the game-winning goal against crosstown rival Boston University.

“We are excited to add Mijke to the program,” Coach Lee said. “She is a fantastic fit on the field, in the classroom and within our team dynamic. Subjectively, Mijke’s passing and playing intelligence fit in well stylistically. Objectively, our analytics rated her a top 15 defender in the ACC last season with room to grow into one of the top backs in college soccer here at Rice. On a personal standpoint, our players and staff found her demeanor and aspirations in life an excellent fit for the program.”

Roelfsema brings a wealth of ACC and international experience to Rice. Prior to Boston College she played in the top women’s division of Dutch football for ADO Den Haag.  Roelfsema was a member of her country’s U-19 national team that competed at the European Championship qualifier in The Netherlands. She also played for the Dutch U-19 team in the international friendly tournament in Spain in 2017.

“The ability to attract transfers and international student-athletes of her quality is a big part for our future and Mijke hits on both ingredients,” Coach Lee added. “The experience gained from starting in the ACC for a team that finished fourth in the best league in college soccer is invaluable. Her proven college success coupled with a strong youth international pedigree with World Cup runner-up Netherlands should have our fan base excited to see her play at Holloway Field this fall.”

The addition of Roelfsma gives Rice a total of eight newcomers who will join 17 returning letterwinners on the team’s August 5 report date. The Owls’ 2019 schedule, featuring 11 home events at Holloway Field, is available above at the respective link. Fans are able to renew their soccer season tickets at RiceOwls.com/myaccount or call 713-348-OWLS.

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