Philip Vander Woude has been named the recipient of Christendom College’s Thomas S. Vander Woude Athletic Memorial Scholarship for the Class of 2030. Honored for his athletic achievement, academic excellence, and Christ-like leadership on and off the field, Vander Woude will compete “for the love of the game and the glory of God” as a student-athlete when he arrives on campus this fall.
The scholarship is named in memory of Thomas S. Vander Woude, the college’s beloved Director of Athletics, who gave his life to save his son in 2008. In his honor, Christendom annually awards incoming student-athletes who demonstrate strong character, academic dedication, and a commitment to leadership through sports.
For Philip Vander Woude, the scholarship carries an especially profound significance. Thomas S. Vander Woude was not only a beloved figure in Christendom Athletics but also his grandfather. Inspired by his example of faith, sacrifice, and servant leadership, Philip has sought to live out those same virtues throughout his own academic and athletic career.
“As a Vander Woude, this honor is so meaningful because my Papa’s legacy means so much to me,” says Vander Woude. “To receive the scholarship in his name is so special to me. I’ve always asked him to be a guide to me on the field, and I know he’s looking out for me in Heaven.”
A native of Nokesville, Virginia, Vander Woude graduated from Seton School, where he competed in basketball, soccer, and tennis. As he considered colleges, he sought a place where he could continue competing athletically while receiving a rigorous Catholic liberal arts education.
Following in the footsteps of his father and siblings, including previous scholarship recipients John Paul Vander Woude ’24, Bobby Vander Woude ’26, and Luke Vander Woude ’29, Philip found that Christendom was the perfect place to continue both his education and his family’s legacy.
“I chose to attend Christendom because of the great Catholic liberal arts education it provides, and also seeing the growth that my brothers experienced attending Christendom,” says Vander Woude.
The Thomas S. Vander Woude Athletic Memorial Scholarship continues the legacy of its namesake, who served as the college’s athletics director from 2002 to 2007, leaving a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes through his joyful spirit, unwavering faith, and servant leadership. In September 2008, he heroically sacrificed his own life while saving his 19-year-old son after he fell into the family’s septic tank. His extraordinary witness of fatherly love has continued to inspire countless people, and his cause for canonization is now being investigated and promoted in the Diocese of Arlington.
To learn more about the Thomas S. Vander Woude Athletic Memorial Scholarship, visit here.
To help support the Thomas S. Vander Woude Athletic Memorial Scholarship Endowment, visit here.