Volleyball News All Things Volleyball
VNL 2023 roster has been announced by coach Roberto Piazza
Setters: Freek de Weijer, Gijs van Solkema, Joris Berkhout, Markus Held, Sil Meijs, Wessel Keemink
Opposites: Daan Streutker, Martijn Brilhuis, Nimir Abdel-Aziz, Stijn Van Tilburg, Wouter ter Maat
Outside hitters: Bennie Tuinstra, Gijs Jorna, Jasper Wijkstra, Maarten van Garderen, Robbert Andriga, Thijs ter Horst, Thomas van Bladel, Tom Koops, Yannick Bak
Middle blockers: Fabian Plak, Luuc van der Ent, Luuk Hofhuis, Michaël Parkinson, Robin Boekhoudt, Siebe Korenblek, Twan van Wiltenburg
Liberos: Jeffrey Klok, Mats Bleeker, Niels Lipke
A look back on the past:
Volleyball is the most popular indoor sport in the Netherlands, with over 125,000 associates. The team had their most significant breakthrough in the 1990s under coaches Arie Selinger and Joop Alberda, reaching several international finals and snagging both the Olympic Games (USA 1996) and the European Championship they hosted in 1997.
Fast forward to the last decade, and the Dutch men’s team has shown consistent growth and resilience. In 2021, the Netherlands replaced the China men’s national volleyball team in the VNL. This marked an opportunity for the team to prove their mettle against some of the world’s best teams in the secure bubble in Rimini, Italy.
In 2022, led by the amazing Nimir Abdel-Aziz, the team managed to clutch their way into the final 8 in Bologna and got 10th in the World Championship in Poland and Slovenia, marking a very successful year for the team.
Overall, the Netherlands men’s national volleyball team has been a compelling force on the international stage. Despite challenges, the team has shown their worth and potential. Here’s to hoping for more spikes, blocks, and victories for the Dutch team in the future!
Players to look out for:
Nimir Abdel-Aziz, the unstoppable scoring machine of Dutch volleyball! Born on February 5, 1992, this volleyball titan has been smashing records left, right, and center[3]. In the past decade, he led the Netherlands to new heights. The world record holder for most points scored in a single match is now showing his magic in the Turkish Halkbank. Watch out, as Nimir is just warming up!
Bennie Tuinstra is making waves in the world of volleyball! At just 23 years old, this Dutch sensation is known for his formidable skills as an outside hitter. Over the last three years, Bennie has leapt from strength to strength, showcasing his talent in several renowned volleyball clubs. Now, he’s spiking his career to new heights with Ziraat Bankası Ankara, one of Turkey’s premier volleyball teams. With his raw power and precision, Bennie is not just playing the game—he’s defining it.
Fabian Plak is another force to be reckoned with on the court. The son of a kickboxing champion and a volleyball player, his pedigree is undeniably impressive. The middle blocker for the French Chaumont Volley-Ball 52 has been showcasing amazing performances of the past several years.
