It has already been an exquisite discipline hockey summer time for Danique van der Veerdonk. In early June, the 24-year-old Den Bosch participant made her Orange debut in opposition to Australia in a packed Wagener Stadium. However it might be even higher. Final week Van der Veerdonk heard that she has been chosen for the European Championship in Mönchengladbach, which begins subsequent week. ‘It occurred rapidly. It’s arduous to understand,’ she says.
She was residence alone that Saturday morning when nationwide coach Raoul Ehren introduced the EC choice. Her alarm clock was set for 8:45 a.m. Van der Veerdonk wished to maintain the thrill as brief as doable. Fifteen minutes later, the message appeared within the group app: the eighteen names and two reserves for Mönchengladbach.
‘I used to be nervous, but additionally had the sensation that there was nothing extra I may do about it. I did get up at 7 a.m., however then I fell asleep once more. Ultimately, I solely spent quarter-hour in suspense. After I noticed my title, I instantly referred to as everybody.
Her pleasure was nice. Together with her choice, Van der Veerdonk will make her debut at a serious ultimate event subsequent week. Along with Fay van der Elst and Pam van der Laan, she is going to make her debut on a serious worldwide stage. ‘For those who had mentioned three months in the past: you’re within the group for the European Championships, I wouldn’t have believed you. After I was referred to as up for the Professional League, I used to be already completely satisfied. And now this comes on high of it. I attempt to dwell on it, nevertheless it’s arduous to understand I’m going to play the European Championship.’
Danique van der Veerdonk with he Jiangxin Period Netherlands-China within the Fih Professional League. Picture: Willem Vernes
Endurance and perseverance
Van der Veerdonk begins the EC with six internationals on the counter. However the street to that first worldwide was one among endurance and perseverance. For years she hung across the choice. With the Dutch Junior Workforce and Hockey5s she gained worldwide expertise, however a spot within the ‘massive’ nationwide crew was by no means forthcoming. Till this season.
And for Van der Veerdonk that seems like a reward for a 12 months stuffed with sacrifice and dedication. ‘My dream was all the time to make the step as much as Oranje. I felt like I used to be proper up in opposition to it. However I received older and youthful and youthful gamers joined. For me, this season was make or break.’
That realization made her go all out. She made a plan. Labored on herself bodily and mentally. ‘I took steps, additionally in my mindset. I realized what it takes: relaxation, vitamin, sleep. I dared to play extra attacking discipline hockey. That gave me extra self-confidence. And confidence does quite a bit. I’ve develop into quicker and extra explosive. However I can nonetheless develop myself additional.’
All this was doable as a result of her research offered the house. ‘That allowed me to completely concentrate on discipline hockey,’ says Van der Veerdonk. However it wasn’t straightforward. ‘Once you’re always engaged on it, you haven’t any distractions. That wasn’t all the time straightforward. However sure, if it seems this manner. And if it hadn’t labored out, not less than I might have felt I did every little thing.’
Unforgettable season
It has develop into a season not quickly to be forgotten. On Ascension Day, Van der Veerdonk gained the nationwide title with Den Bosch, after beforehand profitable the EHL with the membership. She then obtained an invite to the Professional League from Ehren. Eleven days later, she made her debut within the Orange. Two months later, the European Championship was a truth.
Danique van der Veerdonk in a Duel with Courtney Schonell Throughout Netherlands-Australia within the Fih Professional League. Picture: Willem Vernes
‘I had a great feeling in regards to the Professional League, however I had solely been with the group for a short while. So I had no thought if it was sufficient. If I wasn’t there, I may perceive that. However I’m very completely satisfied and happy with myself that I made the European Championship choice. One thing stunning is ready.
After the redeeming information, she handled herself to lunch. Her dad and mom got here to Utrecht, introduced Limburg flan and went out to dinner along with her. A small second of celebration earlier than the sights returned to the event.
Now Van der Veerdonk is waiting for her debut on the EC. ‘I’ve gained worldwide expertise with the Dutch Junior Workforce and Hockey5s. And that helps. With Den Bosch I performed finals. Due to that, I do know what it’s wish to play underneath stress.’
Lastly, she says, ‘I hope to benefit from the event and replicate on what I’ve achieved. And that I can play freely. As a crew you solely need one factor: gold. That’s the aim.’
Danique van der Veerdonk on the ball with Estel Petchame at her again throughout Netherlands-Spain within the FIH Professional League. Picture: Willem Vernes
