Lola Moolhuijzen moves to Greek top club Vouliagmeni
International Lola Moolhuijzen will play for next season the Greek top club Vouliagmeni. The time has come for the 19-year-old top talent, who grew up and made her debut with Polar Bears, for the next step in her career. With the move, Moolhuijzen joins the list of internationals who have played the made the switch from Polar Bears to European top clubs in recent years. Previously, Simone van de Kraats (CN Mataro), Nina ten Broek (Rari Nantes, CN Terrassa), Fleurien Bosveld (CN Terrassa) and Iris Wolves (CE Mediterrani) went abroad.
Moolhuijzen came rather concluded that next season would be a good time for a switch. “After the Games it is a bit quieter with the Dutch team and I can still grow a lot. The Dutch competition is fine for that, but not compared to other countries where the level is higher.”
Training camp
The contact with Vouliagmeni, where fellow internationals Kitty Lynn also Joustra and Brigitte Sleeking was established during a training camp with Polar Bears in preparation for the play-offs. “Afterwards I had a number of conversations in which the feeling was good. It was very clear. I can continue the role at Vouliagmeni that I also have in the Dutch team. I spent a long time on the phone with Kitty Lynn and a sense of family emerged. I think that's important. So at the bottom line it was a very good feeling to be able to continue to grow with Vouliagmeni.”
Vouliagmeni reached the final in Greece this season, where it was defeated by record champion and Champions League finalist Olympiacos. In the European tournament, Vouliagmeni herself failed in the group stage.
Moolhuijzen grew up at Polar Bears, where not only her parents played, but also several family members. “Of course it's my club. I look back on all the years with a warm feeling. Also in recent matches. Even though we did not become champions, I am very proud of the three spectacular matches we played together in the final.” Polar Bears had to leave the national title to ZV De Zaan after three very exciting games. “It is still a strange thought to play and train somewhere else, but that will happen naturally. It's exciting, but if so many people have done it before me, why shouldn't I be able to do the same?
Proud words
Proud words come from Polar Bears. “Given her age and the fact that the Olympic cycle is over after this summer, it is a very good time for Lola to take such a step,” said Floranne Cavalje-Van der Ham, member of the technical committee of the club. “As a committee, we are proud that such a talent from our program can make this transfer. We wish Lola the best of luck in Greece.”
Polar Bears can look back on a very successful period with Moolhuijzen. The club won the national title in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, the national cup and the Supercup were added. The Supercup was also won this season. With the Dutch team, Moolhuijzen became world champion in 2023 and European champion at the beginning of this year. The Dutch team is currently preparing for the Olympic Games, where it will open the tournament against Hungary on July 27.
