As hockey’s natural born leader, “Maartje Paumen”, steps down, what are the first things that come to mind when you hear her name? The talismanic leader of the Netherlands Hockey Team; Inspirational; Never say die attitude; Penalty Corners; Winner?
For me, It is a jovial but winning attitude, a leader that will put her body on the line for the greater good, and that greater good is personified in everything she does. Watching Maartje both play and train, it is clear to see that being a world leader just isn’t enough for this girl. Striving for perfection and giving everything she has to give for those all-important gains is why Maartje Paumen is regarded as one of the best ever hockey players to grace the game.
After an outstanding international career spanning twelve years, 235 matches and scoring 195 goals, Maartje Paumen has decided that now is the time to say goodbye and hang up her international hockey stick
Looking back on a glittering international career, with the Netherlands, winning 24 major international medals, including, two Olympic, two World Cup, three European and four Champions Trophy gold medals, along with being named the best player of the world twice, Maartje said “I’ve had a fantastic career in the Dutch national team. It was the time of my life. But now it’s time for other things.”
“It was a very difficult choice, and I really let the time pass quietly after the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Games for Orange I’ve wanted all my life and now the decision to stop is one of the most difficult decisions in my life. I had a very extensive conversation with Alyson Annan, our coach, and talked with other internationals, family, my management and close friends. Everyone wanted to help me, but eventually, only I could make that decision. I can do it after all this time no longer. To make the most of myself and orange you have to think long term. It’s now time to stop.”
“The love for the game is still there, that can never be taken away, I will continue to play until the end of the season just at my club Den Bosch. At the end of this season, I decide what I will do going forward”. Pauman hangs up her stick as the Olympics Games leading female goalscorer of all time in hockey.
Paumen, the hockey leader that is adored
Paumen is a player who is adored by her teammates and fans, at the same time feared by her opponents for her on-pitch ability to turn a game in an instant, whether that is a game-saving tackle or a game-winning goal from the top of the D. Maartje really packs a punch in every area of the pitch. “I can say that I found each game for Orange very special. Nothing has been better in my life than to play for my country. I have experience with my wonderful teammates and staff over the years many beautiful moments that I’m going to really miss. Fortunately, many of those girls have become close friends. “
It breaks a new era for Paumen. Time for new things. “I dreamed for years to open my own coffee shop. I’m going to see calmly what is possible and what I want to do. I give lots of presentations and training clinics so who knows if I’m going to give coaching or training a go later. Provisionally, I take some rest, and I look forward to what is going to bring my life after Orange. “
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