Name: Ingmar Klienbannink
Position: Attack
Currently playing at: Delft Barons
Played at: Olivet Comets, Rotterdam Jaguars, MDNT ’10, ‘12
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? What do you do in daily life? When did you start playing lacrosse?
In my daily life I am studying marketing in my hometown Rotterdam, were I was born and raised. And also, where I started playing lacrosse. I started at the Rotterdam Jaguars a while ago with coach Zachariasse and Rutger van Bennekum, both also on the Dutch National Team. They really helped to get me hooked on Lacrosse. After a couple of seasons at the Rotterdam Jaguars I was lucky to get selected for the Dutch National Team on the World Championship campaign in 2010 and the Euro’s in 2012. In the spring of 2013 I was happy to play for the Olivet Comets in Michigan. Which really helped to improve my game. Other (not so) relevant trivia; 25 years old, love sushi, hate icebaths, Feyenoord supporter, and a big music fan.
Congratulations with your spot on the team! What was the first thing you did when you heard?
First thing I did was probably call my parents. Throughout the years they have been really supportive in pursuing my lacrosse career. I believe when you have such support, it makes tough choices you have to make a lot easier.
What are you most looking forward to in Denver?
Definitely hearing the Wilhelmus again. When you hear the National Anthem of your country you realize the tournament is starting. Next to that of course all the games we will be playing. I’m looking forward to playing my friends on the Norwegian and Italian team. Since lacrosse community in Europe is relatively small, I believe it’s going to be a great get together of old and new friends.
What are your expectations for Denver?
We all are in this for the love of the sport of Lacrosse. And you feel that at every big tournament. I’m expecting a big celebration of Lacrosse, and that time and that place where everyone in the lacrosse-world is coming together.
How do you interpret the 2014 MDNT motto “Destination Denver and Beyond”?
Denver is going to be a great experience for all the players who are involved in the Dutch National Team and are going to Denver. Next to that I believe that it is really important to take that experience and take that momentum back to the Netherlands. And let all players benefit from the experiences from their teammates on the Dutch National Team.
