Dutch beach volleyball players Katja Stam (from Klijndijk) and Raïsa Schoon have found a new head coach in Frank van den Outenaar.
Van den Outenaar was already working as an assistant national coach and, after the unexpected departure of national coach Marko Klok last autumn, he was already responsible for the training of the successful duo.
Klok had to step down as national coach last October, shortly before the World Cup in Mexico. Volleyball association Nevobo reported at the time that there was “a difference of opinion about the top beach volleyball program”. The 38-year-old Van den Outenaar started as a talent coach of the Dutch Juniors in 2019. A short time later he was included in the technical staff as assistant national coach.
Almost certainly qualified for Paris
The Schoon-Stam duo currently occupies fifth place in the world rankings and, according to the volleyball association, are “almost certainly” qualified for the Olympic Games in Paris next summer.
Stam says he is pleased that clarity has now been created. “With Frank in this role, we look forward with confidence to the start of the season and the preparations for the Games,” Stam said in Nevobo’s press release.