Pien Sanders, the 28-year-old Netherlands hockey international, has announced her retirement from the national team, De Telegraaf reports. In remarks carried by the outlet, Sanders said the time had come to stop, describing the decision as a good moment to step away.
Her departure ends a decade with Oranje. NU reports that Sanders spent ten years as a Dutch hockey international before calling time on her national career.
Explaining the choice, Sanders said her motivation for playing at the top level had gone out, according to NOS, which quoted her saying the fire had died. Hockey.nl carried a similar account, reporting that she felt her drive had faded. AD.nl reported that Sanders looked back on her time with the team as a period in which she was able to fulfil her dreams.
The reports do not specify what Sanders plans to do next, and no replacement or squad announcement has been indicated in the coverage. De Telegraaf was first to report the news on Tuesday.
Sanders' retirement removes an experienced figure from the Dutch set-up as the national programme moves on without her. Further comment from the Dutch hockey federation and any statement from Sanders about her future plans would be the next things to watch.
