From the Netherlands to the Gridiron: Mississippi Valley State’s Multi-Sport Star, Nina Schiks.

Photo Credit: Proof of Existence Media

ITTA BENA, MS — At just 20 years old, Nina Schiks is rewriting what’s possible for women in college sports. A natural-born competitor from the Netherlands, Schiks stars in soccer, tennis, and football at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) — and her story is as unique as her versatility.

For Schiks, soccer was her first love. She began playing at just five years old in her hometown of Boxmeer, competing alongside boys as she honed her technical skill and grit. By 14, her talent earned her a scholarship opportunity with the Dutch national team, where she trained in national camps and later joined the academy system.

Her path soon led to Borussia Mönchengladbach, one of Germany’s elite clubs, where she spent four seasons developing under a professional structure. But while her European journey was thriving, Schiks had a dream — to play in the United States.

“My agency put together a highlight tape so I could get seen by schools in the U.S.,” Schiks recalled.

Her top two choices during recruitment were Saint Martin’s University in Seattle and Mississippi Valley State University, where she ultimately committed. The connection was instant.

“The coach was from Belgium,” she explained. “He wanted to bring in more international players because of their technical style and creativity.”

That vision paid off quickly. In her second year with the MVSU soccer program, Schiks helped lead the team to the SWAC Tournament — their first appearance in over seven years.

Photo Credit : Proof of Existence Media

But soccer wasn’t the only sport where she’d make history.

Growing up in the Netherlands, American football wasn’t even on her radar.

“I had only ever seen it on TV and in movies,”

That changed during a Thanksgiving break at MVSU, when a friend brought out a football to toss around. Schiks asked to try kicking it — and drilled it cleanly through an upright-sized gap.

Photo Credit: Proof of Existence Media

Her curiosity turned into a new pursuit. In the spring, she met Coach Mario Edwards, who was intrigued by her kicking power. After hearing she could hit 40-yard field goals, he arranged an introduction to Head Coach Terrell Buckley.

During her tryout, Schiks kicked from multiple spots — left hash, right hash, and center. Finally, they lined her up at the 45-yard line.

“I made the kick,” she said confidently.

Coach Buckley invited her back the next day to kick in front of the team, this time under real pressure. She passed that test too — earning a spot with the Delta Devils football program.

Today, Nina Schiks is the record holder for most points scored in a single game by a female kicker in SWAC history, a milestone set during MVSU’s matchup against Lincoln University.

Her journey from soccer fields in Europe to historic moments on the American gridiron has become an inspiration to athletes everywhere.

“I just love competing,” Schiks said. “No matter the sport — I want to push limits and show what’s possible.”