In a poignant moment for women's international hockey, three of the sport's most famous athletes, Eva Drummond-de Goede from the Netherlands, Olivia Melly from New Zealand and Margot van Geven, also from the Netherlands, are celebrating the end of their illustrious careers. put an end to it. , left a legacy marked by incredible accomplishments, dedication, and an indelible impact on the sport.
Eva Drummond-de Goede: a central figure in Dutch rule
Eva Drummond-de Goede's retirement from international hockey marks the end of an era in Dutch hockey, where she was a central figure in the Netherlands' unprecedented international success for more than two decades. During her time with the national team, which began in 2006, the Dutch women's team reached her fourth consecutive Olympic and World Cup finals, winning her three gold medals in each event.
In a career that redefined the word longevity, Eva won her first Olympic gold medal dating back to the 2008 Beijing Games. She also played an important role in helping the Netherlands win the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup in 2022. Her leadership and skills as a midfielder have been crucial to the Netherlands' dominance on the world stage, with Eva recognized as the best player in the world, and she was named FIH Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Won the award twice.
Drummond-de Goede's career is littered with memorable moments, from clutch performances in the Olympic finals to key roles at the European Championships and the World Cup. She controlled the pace of the game and her ability to make key plays in pressure situations was unparalleled. Off the field, her leadership and her commitment to promoting hockey, especially among young women, has made her a beloved figure not only in her native Netherlands, but around the world.
Olivia Melly: New Zealand's goalscorer
Olivia Melly leaves the field as the New Zealand Women's team's all-time leading scorer, with 128 goals in 284 appearances. This also makes her the second most capped player in Black Sticks history. Mary's extraordinary career is highlighted by her incredible scoring ability, making her a formidable forward in international hockey. Her speed, accuracy and knack for finding the back of the net contributed to numerous victories for her team and greatly increased the profile of New Zealand hockey on the world stage.
Mellie's hockey life included standout performances at multiple World Cups and the Olympics, and her scoring ability often kept fans on the edge of their seats. She also contributed to one of New Zealand's greatest achievements, with New Zealand winning the nation's first gold medal in ice hockey at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Her dedication to her sport and team was unwavering and earned her admiration and respect from her teammates. And so do our competitors.
She ended her stellar career as the fifth-leading scorer of all time in women's international hockey and still holds the record for most points in a single season in the FIH Hockey Pro League, where she played in Game 1. I set it on fire. 15 goals in the opening game!
Margot van Geffen: The heart of the Dutch defense
Margot van Geven retires as one of the most reliable and ferocious defenders in Dutch hockey history. If one player can embody the phrase “attack wins games, defense wins titles,'' it would be Margot van Geffen. Her constant presence in defense was the driving force behind an incredibly successful era for the Netherlands during her time there. Many, including Olympic gold medals at the London Games (2012) and Tokyo Games (2020), Olympic silver medals at the Rio de Janeiro Games (2016), and three FIH Hockey World Cup titles in 2014, 2018, and 2022. This is the team that won the title.
Van Geffen is known for his excellent positional awareness, tough tackling and amazing consistency. Although it is difficult to classify her contribution statistically, it is surprising that her most successful period in the history of the Dutch national team coincided with the presence of Van Geffen in the defensive line. isn't it.
Known for his resilience and tactical intelligence, Van Geffen was the backbone of the Dutch defense, thwarting many of the world's best attackers and launching devastating counter-attacks that would become a staple of Dutch hockey. Became feared by all opponents. Her dedication to the game and her ability to inspire her teammates have been key elements to Holland's continued success and she will no doubt be missed as her team enters a new era.
end of an era
The international retirements of Melly, Drummond-de Goede and Van Geffen not only mark the end of their playing careers, but also a period of transition for the national team and international hockey. When they raise their sticks for international hockey, they leave behind a legacy that will undoubtedly influence generations to come.
The impact of these three athletes goes beyond their list of medals and accolades. It's how they elevated the game of hockey and inspired countless young players around the world. Their commitment to excellence, sportsmanship and the growth of the sport sets them apart as true legends of the game.
FIH Chairman Tayyab IkramCelebrating the illustrious careers of modern-day legends, he wrote: “Dear Eva, Olivia and Margot, thank you so much for all you have given to our sport over the years! This is the best promotion for the world, and I wish you all the best.
The global hockey family wants you to be engaged and involved in hockey, in any role.
Our main focus is the athletes and it is a commitment from my side that FIH will have the utmost regard for their welfare and well-being. We fervently hope that these great athletes remain in our sport for a long time and share their experiences and guidance for the benefit of the hockey community. ”
As we bid farewell to these icons, FIH celebrates their careers and thanks them for their extraordinary contributions to our sport. Their stories will continue to inspire and resonate with the hockey community for years to come.
