Netherlands Women's National Field Hockey Team
The Netherlands Women's National Field Hockey Team, also known as "Oranje," has been a dominant force in the sport for decades. Consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the world, the Dutch women have won numerous international championships and Olympic medals throughout their illustrious history.
History of Dutch Field Hockey
Field hockey has a long and storied history in the Netherlands, dating back over a century. The first official Dutch field hockey club was established in 1894, and the national team made its competitive debut in 1906. Over the years, Dutch field hockey has evolved into one of the country's most popular sports, with both men's and women's teams enjoying tremendous success on the international stage.
The Rise of Oranje
The Netherlands Women's National Field Hockey Team first made waves on the international scene in the late 1970s, when they won their first major championship - the 1978 Women's Hockey World Cup. Led by legendary coach Gijs van Heumen and talented players such as Elsemieke Havenga and Carina Benninga, the Dutch women established themselves as a dominant force in the sport.
Since then, the Netherlands has continued to produce world-class field hockey players and teams. Oranje has won numerous international titles, including eight Hockey World Cups, ten European Championships, and three Olympic gold medals. They have also been runners-up or bronze medalists in many other major tournaments.
Notable Players
Over the years, the Netherlands Women's National Field Hockey Team has featured many talented and accomplished players. Some of the most notable include:
- Maartje Paumen - widely considered one of the greatest field hockey players of all time, Paumen led Oranje to many of their major championships during her career.
- Mies van der Most - a midfielder who played over 200 games for the Dutch national team, van der Most was known for her speed, skill, and toughness on the field.
- Naomi van As - a two-time Olympic gold medalist, van As was known for her dazzling stick skills and ability to create scoring opportunities for her teammates.
- Ellen Hoog - a dynamic forward who played in multiple Olympics and World Cups, Hoog was known for her speed, agility, and ability to score clutch goals in big games.
Present Day
Today, the Netherlands Women's National Field Hockey Team remains a powerhouse in the sport. The team is currently ranked #1 in the FIH world rankings, and is looking to defend its Olympic gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Under the guidance of head coach Alyson Annan, Oranje continues to rely on a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming young players. Stars like Paumen and van As have retired in recent years, but the team has continued to dominate thanks to the emergence of new talents like Eva de Goede and Lidewij Welten.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands Women's National Field Hockey Team is a true powerhouse of the sport, and a source of great pride for the Dutch people. With a rich history of success and a bright future ahead, Oranje is sure to continue dominating the field for many years to come.
