If there is one team in the Netherlands that is used to winning a lot, it is the women’s team of HC ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Among the many international players, Anouk Brouwer has developed into a powerful defender. The 20-year-old from Udense hopes to add a new prize to the CV of the Den Bosch hockey superpower this Easter weekend: the Euro Hockey League (EHL). “I like a bit of pressure.”
Brouwer can without a doubt be called ‘a child of the club’. She started playing hockey in Uden at a young age, but moved to Den Bosch at the age of 9. She was known in training as a great talent and has been part of the first selection for three years. “Unfortunately, I have had some bad luck with injuries in recent years. From a knee injury to a foot fracture, I hope I have that behind me now.”
The attention of the Den Bosch team quickly turns to internationals such as Pien Sanders, Joosje Burg and Frédérique Matla. But within the selection there is also room for talents, such as Brouwer. “As a youngster it is nice to play in a team that is so strong. You can benefit from the level. I can also learn a lot from them, for example for such an important tournament like the EHL. The top of Europe comes together here. Our internationals have already been through so much and can share their experiences.”
In the EHL, or so to speak, the Champions League in hockey, the Scottish champion Watsonians HC were easily defeated on home field on Thursday evening: 6-0. “We agreed in the locker room that we really played a good game.”
The semi-final against the Spanish Club de Campo awaits on Saturday, after which the dream final against SCHC may await if they win. “Hopefully we will have the gold in our hands on Monday. But that is still a long way off, the competition is tough.”
In addition to the EHL, the Den Bosch hockey ladies are aiming for the 24th national title in club history. But unlike previous years, coach Marieke Dijkstra’s team is not the top favorite. SCHC is in the lead in the Premier League, including Kampong, Amsterdam and Den Bosch. The play-offs start after the last match day.
“It’s nice that other teams have started playing better hockey.”
“The level in the Premier League has risen for several teams. Personally, I just like the fact that other teams have started playing better hockey. It is also good for Dutch hockey in general,” says Brouwer. “The pressure to win is always there in Den Bosch. And to be honest, a little pressure is also good.”
In addition to the desire to win prizes with her club, Brouwer has personal goals. “First of all, I hope to stay fit and avoid injuries. I want to contribute to the team by playing a lot. The Dutch team is a dream for the future, that’s what I’m definitely going for.”
HYROX and hockey
Her sister Amber, who is two years older, also played hockey in Den Bosch for a long time, but now plays for fellow provincial team Oranje-Rood in Eindhoven. Not only hockey is her passion, but also HYROX, an indoor fitness competition. She will participate in the World Cup in June.
