Hockey star Ireen van den Assem has decided to really stop at Orange now. The 32-year-old defender had already put an end to her international career in October 2021, but returned in March this year after a months-long break.
Van den Assem, who had to miss the Olympic Games due to a muscle injury, joined the national team at the invitation of interim national coach Jamilon Mülders.
After three international matches, the experienced Van den Assem decided to announce her retirement as an international again. She did that just before Mülders announced the World Cup selection last week.
“Perhaps it seems crazy to decide that just before a selection moment. But for me it was the best moment,” Van den Assem said in an interview with hockey.nl.
World Cup selection hockey players
- Felice Albers, Margot van Geffen, Eva de Goede, Yibbi Jansen, Marloes Keetels, Josine Koning, Sanne Koolen, Renée van Laarhoven, Laurien Leurink, Frédérique Matla, Freeke Moes, Laura Nunnink, Sabine Plönissen, Pien Sanders, Anne Veenendaal, Maria Verschoor , Xan de Waard and Lidewij Welten.
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‘It feels different than a year ago’
The experienced defender, who is struggling with a chronic Achilles tendon injury, played her last international match against England at the beginning of June. She helped Orange to victory with a goal and an assist.
“It’s okay,” she says. “I’ve been honest with myself. It feels different, very different, than a year ago. Now I can stop with my head held high and a big smile.”
Van den Assem became European champion twice with the Orange and also world champion in 2018. In a club context she plays for HC Tilburg. The upcoming World Cup starts on July 1 and will be held in Amsterdam and the Spanish Terrassa.
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