It has already been a beautiful field hockey summer for Danique van der Verdonk. At the beginning of June, the 24-year-old Den Bosch player made her orange debut against Australia in a packaged Wagener Stadium. But it can be even better. Last week Van der Verdonk heard that she was selected for the European Championship in Mönchengladbach, which will start next week. “It happened quickly. It’s hard to realize, “she says.
She was alone at home that Saturday morning when the national coach Raoul Ehren announced the EC selection. Her alarm clock was set at 8:45 am Van der Verdonk wanted to keep the excitement as short as possible. Fifteen minutes later the message appeared in the group app: the eighteen names and two reserves for Mönchengladbach.
“I was nervous, but also had the feeling that I couldn’t do anything about it anymore. I woke up at 7 am, but then I fell asleep again. In the end I only spent 15 minutes in voltage. When I saw my name, I immediately called everyone.
Her joy was great. With her selection, Van der Verdonk will make her debut during a big final tournament next week. Together with Fay van der Elst and Pam van der Laan, she will make her debut on a large international stage. ‘If you had said three months ago: you are in the group for the European championships, I would not have believed you. When I was called up for the Pro League, I was already happy. And now this comes on top. I try to think about it, but it’s hard to realize that I am going to play the European championship. ‘
Danique van der Veerdonk with he Jiangxin Duration Netherlands-China in the Fih Pro League. Photo: Willem Vernes
Patience and perseverance
Van der Verdonk starts the EC with six internationals on the countertop. But the road to that first international was one of patience and perseverance. For years she hung around the selection. With the Dutch Junior Team and Hockey5s, she got international experience, but a place in the ‘big’ national team never came. Until this season.
And for Van der Verdonk who feels like a reward for a year full of sacrifice and dedication. ‘My dream was always to make the step to the Orange. I felt that I was standing right against it. But I became older and younger players. For me this season was made or breaking. ‘
That realization ensured that she went out completely. She made a plan. Worked physically and mentally on himself. ‘I took steps, also in my way of thinking. I learned what is needed: rest, food, sleep. I dared to play more offensive field hockey. That gave me more confidence. And trust does a lot. I have become faster and more explosive. But I can still develop myself further. ‘
All this was possible because her studies offered the space. “That enabled me to fully concentrate on field hockey,” says Van der Veerdonk. But it wasn’t easy. ‘If you constantly work on it, you have no distractions. That was not always easy. But yes, if so. And if it didn’t work out, I would at least have had the feeling that I did everything. ‘
Unforgettable season
It has become a season that is not soon forgotten. On Ascension Day, Van der Verdonk won the national title with Den Bosch, after earlier winning the EHL with the club. She then received an invitation for the Pro League of Ehren. Eleven days later she made her debut in the Orange. Two months later, the European Championship was a fact.
Danique van der Veerdonk in a Duel with Courtney Schonell During Netherlands-Australia in the Fih Pro League. Photo: Willem Vernes
‘I had a good feeling about the Pro League, but I had only been to the group for a short time. So I had no idea if it was enough. If I wasn’t there, I could understand that. But I am very happy and proud of myself that I made the selection of the European Championship. Something beautiful is waiting.
After the redeeming news, she treated herself to lunch. Her parents came to Utrecht, brought Limburg Flan and went out to dinner with her. A small moment of celebration before the sights returned to the tournament.
Now Van der Verdonk is looking ahead to her debut at the EC. ‘I have gained international experience with the Dutch Junior Team and Hockey5s. And that helps. I played finals with Den Bosch. That’s why I know what it’s like to play under stress. ‘
Finally, she says: ‘I hope to enjoy the tournament and think about what I have achieved. And that I can play freely. As a team you only want one thing: gold. That is the goal. ‘
Danique van der Verdonk on the ball with Estel Petchame on her back during Dutch-Spain in the FIH Pro League. Photo: Willem Vernes
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