Indiana Field Hockey announced on July 10 that Isa Smulders, an 18‑year‑old goalkeeper from Bilthoven, Netherlands, has signed with the program’s 2026 recruiting class. The commitment marks the eighth addition to a class that is already generating excitement among the coaching staff.
Smulders arrives after a standout season in which she recorded the fewest goals allowed among Dutch keepers and posted seven consecutive clean sheets. Her club, SCHC, has consistently finished in the top four of the Dutch league for several seasons, underscoring her ability to perform at the highest level of competition.
A Record‑Breaking Background
During the 2023‑24 campaign, Smulders’ defensive statistics placed her at the pinnacle of Dutch goalkeeping, a feat that caught the eye of Indiana’s coaching staff. The youngster also attended Het Nieuwe Lyceum, where she balanced academics with elite sport, before joining SCHC’s senior squad.
Coach Kayla Bashore praised the newcomer, highlighting not only her on‑field achievements but also her character and work ethic. “Isa brings a rare blend of skill and resilience,” Bashore said. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to Bloomington and to see how she will elevate our defense.”
Smulders will set foot on the Indiana campus in August, ready to begin a new chapter both athletically and academically. She has indicated an interest in majoring in criminal justice at Indiana University, a decision that reflects her ambition to blend sport with scholarly pursuits.
Beyond the pitch, Smulders comes from a supportive family. Her parents, Juliette Piree and Peter Smulders, have been instrumental in her development, and she shares her home with two siblings, Rutger and Carlijn Smulders, who have cheered her progress from the Netherlands.
The addition of Smulders is expected to deepen the Hoosiers’ roster depth and provide a fresh perspective as the team looks to build on recent successes. With a blend of international experience and a proven track record, she is poised to make an immediate impact when the season begins.