The Dutch Women's National Softball Team will have a new head coach from 1 August, when Saskia Kosterink takes the job. The Beijing 2008 Olympian will succeed Ferenc Jongejan in the position, who will manage the team for the last time at the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals in Italy.
Kosterink had a successful international career, including six European Championships, four world championships and the Beijing 2008 Olympics. She was the head coach of the 2021 U-18 National Team that finished seventh in the World Cup played in Lima, Peru; and has also served as an assistant coach for the Senior National Team.
Peter Kwakernaak, Technical Director of the Dutch softball association, said: “As KNBSB, we are privileged and happy that Saskia, who has also been associated with Talent TeamNL talent development for years, takes over the baton from Ferenc Jongejan. With her insight, knowledge and experience, we are going to build a team with potential for gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics."
“The dream of becoming a national coach has always been there. As a dot on the horizon – being responsible on the way to the 2032 Olympics. But that's a little earlier now,” Kosterink said. “That was a bit of a switch the moment they asked me, but at the same time I immediately thought: 'It can also be now'. I have had many conversations with people around me that are important to me, reflected and the answer 'yes' always came to everything. Yes, I want to do it.”
After the World Championship Finals in Castions di Strada, Italy, Kosterink will take over the role of head coach. “After a week off, we have three weeks in August to prepare for the European Championships in our own country. The short period and the pressure surrounding the European Cup make me aware of making our joint start as smooth as possible.”
