The Netherlands women's national team begins its participation in the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with a match against Japan on June 4 in Ottawa, Canada. The last match of the first week for the "Tulips" is against Bulgaria on June 8, and the duel promises to be a real test for our team.

Coach Felix Koslowski – an old acquaintance of Bulgaria

Netherlands head coach Felix Koslowski is no stranger to Bulgarian fans. As coach of Germany, he led his team to a dramatic 3:2 victory over Bulgaria in the playoffs of the 2017 European Championship, which took place in Azerbaijan and Georgia. The match was extremely contested then, and Koslowski admitted that the success against Bulgaria was one of the most significant in his career.

Netherlands squad for the first week of VNL 2025

Setters:

• Sarah van Aalen

• Heike Liaklema

Opposites:

• Els Dambrink

• Nicole van de Voss

Outside Hitters:

• Nika Daalderop

• Jett Kok

• Jette Kuipers

• Iris Vos

Middle Blockers:

• Indy Baijens

• Britte Stuut

• Marije ten Brinke

• Sús Geeritsen

Libero:

• Florien Reesink

• Hester Jasper

Among these players, the most famous name is Nika Daalderop. She is a key figure in the national team and plays for the Italian club Vero Volley Milano. In the 2024/2025 season, Daalderop demonstrated stable form in the Champions League, scoring 94 points (79 attacks, 10 blocks, and 5 aces) and helping her team reach the bronze medals in the tournament. From the new season, she will play for the champion Imoco Volley Conegliano.

Photo:volleyballworld.com