Denise Blankenzee | Sam Houston

Hometown/Current City: Julianadorp, The Netherlands
Undergraduate Major: Finance
Postgraduate Field of Study: Master of Business Administration
 
How did becoming a college athlete impact your life?
Athletics has been a part of my life since I was seven. Representing my national team early on shaped my discipline and ambition. However, college athletics brought a whole new set of challenges, testing my resilience, mental toughness, and adaptability. The intense training, academic demands, and cultural adjustments were overwhelming at first. But with strong guidance and support around me, I was able to learn to see these challenges as opportunities as growth. College taught me that success isn’t just about personal achievements but about contributing to something greater. It has made me stronger, shaping not only my athletic career but also my personal life.
 
What are you planning for your professional career after college?
After college, I want to stay connected to athletics by using my experience to support the next generation of athletes. I plan to pursue a career in athlete development and or coaching, helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the lanes / field.
 
What was/is your favorite class and why?
During my undergraduate years, my investments and business analysis courses stood out as favorites. I enjoyed them because they challenged me with new concepts and pushed me to grow. Much like bowling, I saw them as opportunities for continuous improvement, where progress was always possible and fully within my control.
 
What’s the best advice you received from your coaches or teammates?
The best advice I received was to focus on what I can control, my effort, attitude, and preparation. Overall, most of the advice I have received always falls back on this principle. In both sports and life, setbacks happen, but how I respond defines my growth. Another valuable lesson was to trust the process, improvement takes time, and consistency matters.
 
What piece of advice would you have for current student-athletes?
Balance is essential. It is important to manage your time wisely and remember that it is okay to ask for help and make use of the resources around you. Embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth.
 
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Catching up with friends to grab a coffee is something I like to do. I also really enjoy going for walks and get some exercise in besides bowling and working out.