Fleurien Bosveld returns to Polar Bears after two years of top water polo in Spain
With three national titles , two national cups and a Super Cup under his belt, Fleurien Bosveld (26) made a dream switch from Polar Bears to the Spanish CN Terrassa in 2022. After two seasons in the Catalan city, she is back at the Ede club where she started playing at the age of fourteen.
Initially it was Bosveld does not yet plan to return to the Netherlands. “I have had contact with the club before, but I have always enjoyed my time in Spain. However, a lot of things are changing at the Terrassa now. Several players are leaving, as is the entire staff. Another club in Spain was also an option, but there was administrative uncertainty there, so I didn't know where I stood.”
Last month was the fast winger in the Netherlands when the thought of rejoining Polar Bears arose. “It is your club, with family and friends who are close to you and Polar Bears also has ambition and wants to play the Champions League next season. To be able to do that with your own club is very special. So I quickly thought: it's good here too.”
Two great seasons in Spain
Bosveld looks back on two beautiful seasons in the city about thirty kilometers from Barcelona. “Life was very good. I felt very rested and could fully focus on water polo. The climate was wonderful. That's a bit of a change now, but it will happen.” In addition to the sporting aspect, the Dutch international also grew on a personal level. “You make friends, but you really have to stand on your own two feet and earn the respect of your teammates and continue to actively seek them out to really become a part.”
In Terrassa she also played together with former Polar Bear Nina ten Broek. “Nina had already been playing there for a year when I came, and she was able to help me get started at the beginning. It's nice to have each other and especially to be in the water with someone you have a connection with.”
Necessary experienceWith Bosveld back in Ede, the club is also gaining the necessary experience. She was active in the Champions League with Terrassa over the past two seasons. “You gain so much experience in those competitions. This way I was able to make many steps myself. I have played in other positions, you play matches with higher resistance. You grow from that.” The former captain was also active at two European Championships, where she finished fourth in 2022 and won the title last January.
Polar Bears is obviously pleased with the return from Bosveld. “As a technical committee, we are happy to welcome Fleurien back to Ede after her Spanish adventure,” said Floranne van der Ham-Cavalje, member of the committee. “It's great to see that when players leave us for an adventure abroad, they return to 'the old nest' and use their acquired knowledge and experience to develop our young talents. With her creative playing style, Fleurien is a real asset to our first team and we look forward to seeing her play again in the Eredivisie but also in the Champions League in which we are participating with our women's team this year. After the departure of Lola Moolhuijzen, but with the return of Fleurien, our goal is to play for the prizes again this year.”
