Euro Trip - Netherlands - Anouk Vergunst, Kim Schindeler, Martin De Koning

Host Amy McCann chats all this Dutch women's baseball with players Anouk Vergunst and Kim Schindeler and coach Martin De Koning. Hear all about the team's vibe ahead of the 2025 Women's Baseball European Championships, dynamics, insights into their training, team building, the unique spirit of Dutch women's baseball, the support from fans and sponsors, and Martin shares how proud he is of the team!

------  

Guess what? WBIP is heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions. Czechia — the hometown heroes. The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage. And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:

• Can France make it three in a row?
• Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
• Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
• Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Netherlands Women's Baseball Team 01:52 Intro to Netherlands 03:56 Team Selection and Training Dynamics 05:56 How the team comes together 07:16 What has the team been working on in the lead in 08:28 On getting to play a Euro Champs 10:45 Team Netherlands in 3 words! 13:34 Goals for the Champs 15:56 Coach has a proud moment!  20:12 Introduction to Women's Baseball in France