EUSA Insider:
Loes Vandewal
Age: 25
Place of Birth: Roermond, Netherlands
University: Radboud University Nijmegen (NED)
Sport: Handball Published 31 May 2019
How and why did you get involved in handball?
My mother played handball and it was likely that this would be my sport too. I started playing handball at the age of five.
What do you study, and how do you balance your study, training and competition?
I studied Human Resource Management. The combination is hard, but it's do-able, because of my supporting family. Because I'm a professional handball player, I could apply for a Topsport programme. This means more sports, less school (physical presence) but the same subjects and degree as my fellow students.
Tell us about your experiences at the European Universities Championships 2017. Was it your first time at a EUSA event, and what did you enjoy the most?
This wasn't the first one I joined. My first experience at the European Universities Games was in 2014 in Rotterdam. I didn't expect it to be so big and still so professionally organised. I met a lot of new people and had a very, very good time. What I've enjoyed most is the combination (and focus) of professional sports and student life these days. Don't worry, just do what you're good at and what you love to do.
“Enjoy it as much as you can as before you know it, it's over! These are very valuable memories.”
Why do you think taking part in university sport is important?
It is important to come into contact with multiple cultures, countries and universities and to meet new people – the expansion of a young people's horizon. And to play for your university and country, which really is an honour.
In 2019 the European Universities Handball Championships will take place in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Do you hope to be there, and if so, how have your preparations been, and what do you hope to achieve?
Unfortunately I won't join, because I'm no longer a student. Life is over now for me, haha!
What is your favourite university sport moment?
After winning the bronze medal two times, it was time to win at least a silver medal. And we did this in 2018!! The moment I'll always remember is when we fell through the stage as we were jumping after receiving the medals! And I'm the lucky person who was chosen as Most Valuable Player in 2017 and 2018.
What is your message to European student-athletes?
Now I'm working I can say this: enjoy it as much as you can as before you know it, it's over! These are very valuable memories. All the time I think about my experiences I have a big smile on my face. I'd like to keep joining the EUSA tournaments until I can't play handball anymore, but unfortunately that's not the case.
EUSA would like to congratulate Loes for her successes at the 2017 Championships and 2018 Games, and we wish her all the best in the future!