High Point University

International Student Profile: Chris van Niekerk

HPU freshman and student-athlete Chris van Niekerk is from Sasolburg, Free State, South Africa. Photo submitted

By Nicole Prince

News Editor

Chris Van Niekerk is a High Point University freshman from Sasolburg, a town in the northern part of the Free State province in South Africa. He is majoring in actuarial science and minoring in leadership.

Van Niekerk first heard about HPU when Scott Hall, the assistant head track and field coach, contacted him.

“I chose HPU after seeing photos and doing research about the university online,” said Van Niekerk. “As soon as I saw the campus and culture, I knew I had to come. I can’t really choose a single thing about HPU that I like most. I think it’s a combination of all my friends, coaches, professors and the whole environment. I know what a blessing it is to be able to study at HPU, so I just want to make the most of it.”

Van Niekerk adjusted well to American culture.

“I enjoy the American culture a lot, and it isn’t that much different from home,” he said.

He shared some of the traditions and culture of his home and discussed what he missed most during his time on campus. 

“Probably the biggest tradition that I missed from home is a braai on a weekend before watching a rugby game with friends and family,” said Van Niekerk. “I also miss my culture and the people from home when I’m 9,000 miles away.”

He explained that a braai is like the equivalent to an American barbeque or cookout.

Van Niekerk is currently on the track and field team, and he described his proudest moment as while being an international student and athlete at HPU.

“Breaking the school record, becoming Big South Champion and having a great indoor season are all things that I’m proud of,” Van Niekerk said. “However, the moment that stands out is when the men’s and women’s teams became the Indoor Big South Champions. It was the first time in school history. This is, so far, my proudest moment at HPU. I know the best is yet to come.”

Van Niekerk also discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting his experience as both an international student and athlete since returning to his home in South Africa.

“I think the situation we find ourselves in now hasn’t affected me differently than anyone else,” said Van Niekerk. “Obviously, I would rather be on campus now with my friends and team. As an athlete, it’s been pretty tough. We were all back at school for training when we heard that the NCAA would cancel all their meets.

As a team, we had a lot of momentum going into the outdoor season. We wanted to win the outdoor championship and make it an even more remarkable year. I was looking forward to competing in my favorite and best event, discus throw. I felt like I had a good chance of qualifying for nationals and representing HPU.

I trust God’s timing, and I know everything will work out. I know that my team and I will work hard during this prolonged offseason and come back stronger. My heart especially goes out to the seniors whose collegiate careers and experiences have been cut short.”

During this time, he continues to train, spend time outside on the farm and take online classes with the HPU community.

 “I hope and pray that we can all be back on campus this fall, safe and healthy,” said Van Niekerk.

After graduation, Van Niekerk plans to become an actuary and continue his career as an athlete. He hopes to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.