After an impressive college debut Saturday (Aug. 31), Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee was equally impressive at a post-game press conference. “I credit my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity,” the 18-year-old Iowa native began.
“A lot of things fell into place for me to be here, and I get all my confidence from him,” added the true freshman. “I just prayed that [Jesus would] give me confidence. And I went out there and showed that today.”
Vander Zee was named a starter only days before his first college game, in which Iowa beat Illinois State 40-0. The 6-foot-4, 207-pound wide receiver caught five passes for 66 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Iowa Hawkeyes Wide Receiver Credits His Faith and Grit
Reece Vander Zee, who played quarterback in high school, was a late arrival to Iowa’s training camp due to injury. “I was a little behind,” he said of practicing with his new team. “But I got caught up to speed pretty fast.”
Of his new offensive weapon, Hawkeyes QB Cade McNamara said, “I’m just so proud of him, the way that he was able to perform. And something that’s so impressive to me is just how unfazed he is by everything.”
In addition to his faith, Vander Zee credits his upbringing in northwest Iowa for his readiness for the college spotlight. “They teach toughness and grit—exactly what they teach here [at the University of Iowa],” said the athlete. “I take extreme pride from being from there. It shaped who I am. We do things right up there.”
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Vander Zee told reporters he’s “never been a guy to get nervous” because “I trust my preparation,” and he goes out to have fun.
Reece Vander Zee Is From a Faith-Filled Family
On his social media accounts, Reece Vander Zee lists “BE DIFFERENT” and Luke 14:11 in his bio. That Scripture verse reads: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
A May 2023 Instagram video shows Vander Zee being baptized and surrendering his life to Jesus. In the caption, mother Meredith Vander Zee wrote, “Witnessing your child receive Christ into the depth of their being impacts things in a way no earthly event can. Reece Michael, you culminate an amazing year as a Champion in Christ. There is no greater joy.”
Reece Vander Zee is the oldest of six children. His parents run Soul Strong, a ministry dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and teams grow in their faith and relationships. Joe Vander Zee, who has a masters in Christian leadership, said he is passionate about promoting faith in the workplace and growing as a father.
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