Despite several serious injuries keeping her sidelined for a long time, the 27-year-old Laura Strik still flies into the duels. Thus, she came to be known as the team's "pit bull. In her free time, she quietly crawls behind her computer, where she is building her own data science company.
You are not too long back from a series of serious injuries, what did you have and what was that period like?
"First I had a tear in my thigh, then I tore my cruciate ligament and then I broke a metatarsal. All in quick succession. Rehabilitation became a mental journey in which I was completely disconnected from the group. My world stood still, while everything around you goes on. That was very tough."
Did that time change you?
"Definitely, I've become a lot stronger mentally and can handle setbacks better. I know a lot more about my body now, so I recognize signals faster and know exactly what I need from the physical therapists."
'I thought about that a lot during my injury, because you have to consider a plan B'
I've heard you've also developed a fondness for the gym?
"Haha, of course I prefer being on the football field, but I have come to appreciate it. Especially the progress you make, I also keep all that in a little book. I know exactly how high I could jump before and how high I get now."
That's really no surprise given your affinity for data! I understood you have a company in that?
"That's right, I make smart algorithms for companies. A form of data science combined with machine learning, but I'll spare you all the tricky terms. For me, that counts as a piece of free time where I spend some time with my head instead of my body. I always have some little projects running."
Is that something you want to pursue after football?
"I thought about that a lot during my injury, because you have to take into account a plan B. I think I want to stay active partly in football. Fortunately, data is playing an increasing role in professional football, so hopefully I can combine that."
'I dreamed of being at the Olympics one day'
Now it's still your hobby, do you have more?
"When I have time to spare, I like gaming and Netflixing. Especially Scandinavian detectives attract me a lot. I have to restrain myself from watching that too much, but I can control myself well. Oh, and I'm really a football fan. I watch all PSV 1 matches and follow the Premier League closely!"
Also, do you have a favorite team in the Premier League?
"I am a fan of Arsenal and Manchester City. This is mainly because of the style of play of Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola. The way they make their teams play attracts me immensely. How they put pressure, build up and create chances. I can really enjoy that."
Are you as involved with tactics as a football star?
"Yes, so I'm pretty active in coaching. I do that very directly and task-oriented. If someone needs a kick in the butt, I can give it. Off the lines I'm very social and always up for a joke, but on the field I want to win. Whatever the cost."
So they don't compare you to a pit bull for nothing!
"I'm someone who really goes full steam ahead, though. Despite my height and my recent injuries, I'm not afraid of the duels. That was in it from a young age."
Speaking of the young Laura Strik, what did you want to be as a little girl?
"Olympic athlete! I was in athletics and I dreamed of one day being in the Olympics. I was very good at long distances, something I still benefit from in football. Teammates sometimes joke that I have an extra lung. When I got a little older, however, I could no longer combine athletics and football."
'If someone needs a kick in the butt, I can give it'
Never had the ambition to take over your parents' bakery?
"No, I never wanted to. As a little girl I really enjoyed helping out, but I also saw how hard they had to work. The hours are super irregular and you almost live at night sometimes."
What goals do you still have?
"This season I still want to win the Eredivisie Cup with PSV and in the coming years I want to compete fully for the national championship."
And do you still have ambitions to play abroad someday?
"That is not a goal in itself for me. The club's ambitions match mine seamlessly. I also signed a new contract not so long ago. In short, I am super happy here and have no reason to leave."
Laura, we've got your back. This column is made possible in part by OTTO Work Force. Our back sponsor supports anyone with the ambition to reach their personal peak.
