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 and coaches 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 the Belgium Red Panthers’ star Michelle Struijk…

Please, give us your impressions about the upcoming new FIH Hockey Pro League season, starting at the end of this month.

“The FIH Hockey Pro League is ideal to give new young players some international experience. As a group we also need to get used to each other again and to the international level, to eventually be ready for the Europeans this summer.”

After Paris 2024 some key players retired and head coach Raoul Ehren left the team. How do the Red Panthers cope with these important changes?

“It’s the start of a new cycle, so changes in the players group and staff is normal. The training group is very exciting and with some new people in the staff, we also have some fresh energy and new views on our game.”

As the world’s number 3, the Red Panthers will start with a first leg in China, playing two times against the home country and England. What are the team’s ambitions for these four games?

“Our first Pro League block in China is pretty early in the season. We will go there to first of all enjoy playing at international level again with a new group. Naturally we will step on that pitch and go for a win, but the main objective for this trip is to integrate new players and staff.”

What are the team’s objectives for this Pro League 2024-2025 season?

“I think we will use these games as the perfect practice to get ready for this summer.”