Shortly after the Women’s European Championships in Rotterdam we asked Dutch international Robin Poggenwisch five questions.
What does it mean to you to be selected for the Dutch national team?
“Ever since I started playing wheelchair basketball my dream was to play for the national team one day. Even though I have competed in a lot of big tournaments it still makes me very proud to put on the Netherlands jersey and go out and compete at the highest level.”
You recently lost twice to the German national team during the Women’s European Championships in Rotterdam. How do you assess the current status of the “Oranje Boven”?
“Although the results of the two games were not in our favour, we know there’s still a long way to go until the Europeans in Poland. As a team we work hard to get better every day and try to learn from our mistakes. We are heading in the right direction, “Oranje Boven” always.”
How did you perceive the European Championships in Rotterdam?
“It was an incredibly well-organised event. My hat goes off to Basketball Experience NL for making this event possible. To have a major European competition being hosted in your home country is always special. I think our girls did an amazing job of handling all of the expectations and the extra pressure of playing in front of our home crowd.”
How does it feel to be a bit in the shadow of the successful ladies?
“I don’t feel that we are in the shadow of the ladies. In some ways we are profiting from their success. I’m proud of them and the whole staff. I think we as wheelchair basketball Netherlands have a real tight group and we work together every day to get better and better.”
What things do you think typically define Dutch culture?
“I guess stroopwafels and cheese?”
Thank you very much, Robin.
Interview: Martin Schenk & Dylan Cummings | Photo: Steffie Wunderl