Failure at PSV Eindhoven, but Quinn, 22, is now living the American dream: 'I would do anything for it'

This is what 22-year-old Quinn Voss said in a conversation with VTBL. Brabander will start his fourth year in America in August and can now dream of a professional career. “I feel like I can take this final step and I will do anything for it.”

Eindhoven

Vos's talent did not go unnoticed in the Netherlands. At a young age he moved from his club SV Budel to PSV. Six years later, his dream was shattered there. “I was actually a starter all those years and was often a captain. Until the coach came along who didn't like me. I ended up on the bench and was able to leave.”

The defender had the option of going to smaller professional clubs such as NAC or Fortuna Sittard, but he chose Budel. “To be honest, I was done with it for a while. For six years you were doing everything to achieve your dream of success in Eindhoven and then suddenly it was over, and that's why I decided to return to the amateurs.”

Dream of walking

In the third division SV Budel were very happy with Vos. He soon made his debut in the first team, but there was more to the footballer. “Even though I left Eindhoven, I wanted to reach the highest level possible. Through Kingstalent, a company that helps students move to America, I was able to embark on the adventure and also obtain a diploma. The plan was initially for one year remaining, but “It went differently.”

Voss started out at Point University of Georgia in Atlanta and quickly developed into an important player there. As a leader he even became a hero with his team. After two years, the Dutchman felt he could take a step higher and so decided to take the gamble.

“My coach at Pointe told me I should try to get to Division I, which is the highest level in America, and I felt that way myself. The coach at San Antonio saw me playing football and wanted to take me there. Then I decided to leave for Texas.”

Professional football

Things are also going well in Texas. Voss plays just about everything and has already trained several times with San Antonio FC, the city's professional club. “They play in the second tier of America, just below Major League Soccer. That's going well. The better players from my division in college can compete well at this level and I can say I'm one of the best players.”

However, Brabender does not consider himself wealthy. “In America, the final year of college is everything. You can throw away three good years in one go if you don't perform well or get a serious injury. For me, there is a crucial season coming up now that will determine whether I do it or not.” “He can continue here as a professional footballer or not.”

for travel

As a student soccer player in America, you also see a lot of the country. Voss plays two matches a week and visits the most beautiful and unique places. Away matches with large crowds attract Foss the most. “This is really cool. I remember my first away game in America, there were 2,500 people in the stands. They all had a book of names, and using Google they quickly found my parents. Suddenly I heard them calling my father's name. They were screaming in the distance.” “The stands, haha, I thought that was cool.”

There are slightly smaller crowds at home games in Texas. “A fair amount of people come to watch, but it's hot in Texas. The stadium temperature was taken once and it was 55 degrees, and it's not comfortable to sit in the stands at 45 degrees. Then I understand people choose not to. Come and watch “

Student life

In addition to performing, Voss also enjoys student life in America. A life that cannot be compared to that of a student in the Netherlands. Anyone who has seen the movie “American Pie: Pita House” can roughly imagine what it's like on American college campuses. “I can tell you that picture from the movies is correct.”

“House parties in America are weird. Especially in big universities, the student houses are just discos. You can't really imagine it, the red cups, the craziness of the Americans, it's all real. You have to try it once.”

Athletes have hero status in schools in America, and Voss noticed that in his early years as well. “Girls love that you're sporty and have an accent too. They find that very interesting, and once they hear you're not American, you can't shake it anymore. I have a girlfriend now, but I have to admit I had a great time the first two years haha.”

According to Vos, parties in Brabant are also fun, but different. “We quickly think: 'Just act normal, you're acting crazy enough.' Americans don't think that way, they do their best at parties. The coaches are also not against it, as long as they don't do it. They will be called in the middle of the night To inform them of the arrest of one of their players.”

respect

Voss teaches business and management at the University of San Antonio. He also helps other students in their studies. “I do it as a side job. You're only allowed to work at the school. I also have a feeling that we foreign students are a little smarter than the average American. Don't get me wrong, there are also very smart American students. But the majority are not at home at university.”

Despite the many differences in level at university, respect is very important. “This really amazes me. The students have great respect for each other. Of course jokes are told and during competitions it's not always friendly, but then there is respect.”

Racism is also not an issue at the schools Voss attended. “To be honest, I can't even imagine it. Of course I know it exists, but not in the schools I went to. There are so many different cultures and there is respect for that. I've also lived with black people. They've never had to deal with it either.”

Vos can't wait for the new season to start over again. Once the season starts again, Vos will only have one goal. He added: “I feel that I can take the step towards professional football here, but this matter is in my hands. Next season is crucial and I will do everything in my power to achieve success and ultimately achieve the highest possible level.”