FH Announces International Signing -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Louisville Adds to Netherlands Connection

There were brief signs of spring yesterday when we finally reached above-freezing temperatures yesterday, and softball is right around the corner, but let's return to fall sports for just a moment. Louisville field hockey announced a major signing to the fall 2026 class yesterday, as they'll add Bibi van der Lande to the roster. Van der Lande is a defender from the Netherlands, continuing the pipeline that head coach Justine Sowry has established between the land of tulips and the River City. 

Bibi van der Lande is not to be confused with Bibi van der Velden. Though it's pretty clearly different, a name similar to that of a Dutch jewelry designer made finding information on the field hockey player a bit more difficult. Nevertheless, it won't be the fashion icon stepping onto the turf at Trager this fall. The defender that will join the Cards has played for MOP (Mixed-Oranje-Pauw) for her entire career. As a member of the development team, van der Lande participates at the third-highest level of senior field hockey in the Netherlands. Last season, she was frequently asked to substitute for the second team as well. 

According to her recruiting profile, van der Lande has a calm presence in the middle of the defense and is adept at short and long passes to set up the attack from the back line. Like many top defenders, van der Lande has spent time playing at the forward positions as well, giving her knowledge of how the attack is formed. This is beneficial as both a defender and the beginning of the offense. She is noted as having strong communication skills that help set up her teammates for success. While van der Lande will be replacing one Dutch defender in Tatum Kroon (who graduated), she'll be able to transition her communication skills into the college game with the help of two more defenders from the Netherlands. Returning in 2026 are senior Annabel Sep and sophomore Trijntje Herfkens. 

There's still quite a while to go before the fall seasons start, but van der Lande will be a welcome addition to the program when she joins in the summer. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case