In the high-speed, high-stakes world of international hockey, goalkeepers are the last line of defense—and often, the first line of victory. For the Netherlands women’s team, that last line has a name: Josine Koning.
With razor-sharp reflexes, unmatched calm under pressure, and a fearless attitude, Josine has become one of the most reliable and respected goalkeepers in the game. She’s not just saving goals—she’s saving games, tournaments, and championship dreams.
Early Life: A Natural Born Shot-Stopper
Josine Koning was born on September 2, 1995, in the Netherlands—a country where hockey is a way of life. While most kids gravitate toward scoring goals, Josine found joy in stopping them.
From a young age, she showed incredible reflexes, composure, and confidence between the posts. Her love for goalkeeping wasn’t just about the adrenaline—it was about responsibility, leadership, and the challenge of standing tall in the toughest moments.
Club Career: Success with HC Den Bosch
Koning plays her club hockey for HC Den Bosch, the powerhouse of the Dutch Hoofdklasse. With Den Bosch, she’s part of a system built on excellence—and she’s been a vital piece of their domestic and European dominance.
At Den Bosch, she has:
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🧤 Kept countless clean sheets
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🏆 Helped win multiple national titles and European club championships
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💬 Gained a reputation as a vocal leader from the back
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🧱 Become the anchor of the team’s defensive unit
Her consistency and leadership have made her one of the most trusted goalkeepers in the Dutch league.
International Career: Trusted on the Biggest Stage
Josine earned her senior debut for the Netherlands national team in 2017 and has since become a central figure in the Oranje’s success. Known for stepping up in crunch moments, she’s played a key role in some of the team’s biggest achievements.
Career Highlights:
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🥇 Olympic Gold Medalist – Tokyo 2020
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🏆 FIH Hockey World Cup Champion – 2018 & 2022
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🥇 European Championship Winner – Multiple editions
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🧱 Key performer in FIH Pro League campaigns
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🧤 Renowned for crucial saves in shootouts and knockout matches
Whether it’s the final minutes of a tight game or the pressure of a sudden-death shootout, Josine delivers with focus and fearlessness.
Playing Style: Calm, Quick, and Commanding
Josine Koning is the kind of goalkeeper who gives her team confidence just by being on the pitch. Her game is built on positioning, reaction time, and anticipation—but what sets her apart is her ability to remain calm under the heaviest pressure.
Core Strengths:
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⚡ Quick Reflexes: Lightning-fast reactions to shots from any angle
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🧠 Game Intelligence: Reads strikers’ intentions and stays one step ahead
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📣 Leadership: Commands her defense with clarity and presence
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🎯 Distribution: Starts attacks with precise passes and long throws
She’s not just a shot-stopper—she’s a game influencer.
Off the Pitch: Professional and Poised
Outside of competition, Josine is admired for her discipline, humility, and mental strength. She speaks openly about the psychological side of goalkeeping—handling pressure, bouncing back from mistakes, and staying focused through long stretches of inactivity.
She’s also involved in youth goalkeeping clinics, mentoring the next generation and sharing the lessons she’s learned from years at the top level.
Earnings and Endorsements
As a top international athlete and Olympic champion, Josine earns through:
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🧤 Club salary from HC Den Bosch
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🇳🇱 National team performance contracts and bonuses
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🤝 Sponsorships with sports gear and lifestyle brands
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🎤 Coaching clinics, speaking engagements, and ambassador work
Her clean image, leadership qualities, and elite skill set make her highly appealing to sponsors and fans alike.
Looking Ahead: More Clean Sheets, More Championships
At 28, Josine Koning is in her prime, and there’s plenty more to come. With major tournaments on the horizon, she remains a critical figure for the Dutch team’s ambitions.
Her goals include:
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🥇 Winning another Olympic gold in Paris 2024
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🧠 Becoming a mentor and leader for young goalkeepers
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🧤 Innovating the goalkeeping role with new techniques and training
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🌍 Helping raise the global standard of women’s hockey
