As we inch ever closer to the start of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 season, we are excited to bring you an exclusive pre-season interview series with players from the world’s top hockey nations participating in the “League of the Best”.
This series dives into the minds of the sport’s finest athletes and coaches, uncovering their thoughts on the upcoming season, personal goals, and the strategies their teams are crafting to compete at the highest level. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these interviews provide a unique glimpse into the passion, preparation, and drive that fuel the teams vying for glory.
In today’s interview we speak with Dutch Olympic Gold medallist (Paris 2024) Joep de Mol …
How did you prepare for this Pro League?
Joep de Mol: We’re working with a relatively new group, with many fresh faces. Some players have stepped away from the national team temporarily to focus on their personal development, while others are returning from injuries. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been training intensively with this group, focusing primarily on integrating the new players into our culture and playing system.
Last year you finished second. What will you do differently this year to win?
Last year, we fell just short at the end and couldn’t overtake Australia. In recent years, we’ve performed well in the Pro League, as it’s a competition that suits us. I think we’ll stick to the approach that has worked for us in the past: playing with the mindset that we want to win every match. That’s exactly what we’ll aim to do this time as well.
What are your ambitions for this Pro League?
First and foremost, to improve with every match. It’s especially important to give the new players the opportunity to gain experience. It’s about seeing the new, talented guys who’ve joined us perform on an international stage. But as I said, we play every tournament to win, so we’ll approach each match with the goal of achieving results.
What does participating in the Pro League mean to you?
First of all, it means we get to explore some amazing parts of the world. Personally, being able to travel to Australia this winter is a huge bonus of the Pro League. It also means playing a lot of high-level international matches. We get to compete against teams like Australia, India, and Argentina—opponents we usually only face at a World Cup or the Olympics.
What do you enjoy most about the Pro League?
That we get to play matches in countries we’re not used to visiting. For example, this time we’re heading to Australia to play four international matches there against Spain and Australia. It’s also exciting to play in front of their home crowds. We’re used to playing a lot in Europe, so it’s great to experience different cultures and see other parts of the world.
Do you think playing in other parts of the world will help the team grow?
Absolutely. It definitely brings new experiences and creates stories within the team. A lot happens during three weeks in Australia, and that strengthens the group. Besides that, every country has its own playing style, which is great to encounter. And the matches are always of the highest level, with every game having a decisive outcome—even if it’s a draw, there are shoot-outs. That’s one of the best aspects of the Pro League.
