Former international Wendy Smits has passed away at the age of 39. The native of Amsterdam was seriously ill. “It really shocks you. She was very young when she played with us. She was really a very sweet, pleasant girl,” says former chairman Geert Bijl of the West Frisian SEW. That is the club where Smits broke through at the time.
With SEW, Smits became champion of the Netherlands in 2003 and 2004. In 2004, she also won the handball cup with the North Holland team.
“In Switzerland we got her to sing for us”
Singing in Switzerland
She also played several European Cup matches with SEW. “She then trained as a classical singer. After a competition in Switzerland, we got her to sing for the team. Those are things you never forget,” says Bijl. In 2005 Smits left and went to play in Germany. She also played a total of 14 international matches.
On Saturday SEW will play the return against the Swedish Lugi Dam in the European Cup. For that match, the death of Smits is commemorated.
Don’t want to miss anything from NH Sport?
- Watch NH Sport on TV every Monday at 5.10 pm
- Watch football talk show De Kick-off every Friday at 5.10 pm
- Listen to NH Sport on NH Radio on Friday from 19-22 pm and Sunday from 17-19 pm
- Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter