Värnamo News: Interview with Ester de Vries: "Sweden is a beautiful country"

GVK recently announced that they have acquired a new Dutch star.

"There will be a new experience for me," says Ester de Vries.

Ester de Vries will move from the Netherlands to Gislaved to complement an already strong volleyball team for the upcoming 2015/16 season.

The coach of Gislaved VK, Daniel Magnusson, described the 23-year-old as a possible dream recruitment. And, of course, Ester looks forward to moving to Sweden.

Ester de Vries, why did you choose Gislaved? You had some more options.

"I was watching some videos from GVK and I liked their level of volleyball. The team looked great and I hope to have a competitive season this season."

Why do you want to move to Sweden? What do you know about Sweden?

"From pictures, I know that Sweden is a beautiful country, but I also know that it can get very cold! And I know the Swedish language, just like Dutch, is a Germanic language."

What are your strengths in the game?

"My strengths are in my network skills. I love to attack and my best quality is blocking."

What do you know about the Swedish volleyball?

"I do not know much about the Swedish volleyball besides what I have seen on video, so this will be a new experience for me."

What do you know about Gislaved VK and their games?

"When I watched the video, I could see that GVK is very combative and motivated, and I look forward to playing with the team."

Can you say some Swedish words?

"I can only the word "'knäckebröd'" laughs Ester.

If your home is on fire, what is the one thing you would save?

"I would bring my laptop, because I have all my pictures and memories there."

What is your talent outside of volleyball?

"I like to be creative, for example, draw and paint."

When did you last laugh and why?

"Last week, I had become much better at some volleyball skills."

When you cried last and why?

"When I heard Malgorzata Glinka [female Polish volleyball player] would stop playing volleyball completely."

If someone were to make a movie about you, who would play you in the movie?

"The Dutch actress Chantal Janzen, because I love her freckles and she's a great actress."

Top Referral to Join GVK

Gislaved VK has signed 23-year-old Dutch attacker Ester de Vries

Ester joins GVK from the Dutch team Irmato VC Weert and most recently Volley Franches-Montagnes (Switzerland). She has received her education from the University of San Fransisco (USA).

She has belonged to the Netherland Talent Team and has played in several international tournaments with the Dutch junior national team. She has participated in pre-season with the Dutch senior women’s team.

“Ester will compliment the team in an excellent way with her experience and knowledge,” says GVK sports chief Lars Englund.

The coach Daniel Magnusson adds: “This could be a dream acquisition. When I was in Croatia for an international volleyball tournament, I met one of Ester’s university coaches and he spoke highly of her. If she comes healthy, and can enter the life in Sweden, then she will be a great addition. She hits hard and can hit well on both good and bad balls.”

Women's Elitserien to have Pool Play

This fall, matches will be played between nine teams in the women's elite series, as KFUM Göteborg previously announced their decision to drop out of the league. Now it is clear that there will be three pools with pool games and two series for the ladies next season.

"The competition management for Elite League Association wishes to implement pool play matches divided into three groups for Elitserien women, as well as matches in double series against teams not in your group. During this past season, we have introduced more matches, compared with previous years when the teams only met home and away once each during the season. Within your group, you will play home and away twice," says Paul Engström of competition management.

The competition schedule is in full swing to be established as soon as possible.

GROUPS:
Engelholm
Svedala
Gislaved

Hylte / Halmstad
Örebro
Rig Falköping

Lindesberg
Katrineholm
Sollentuna

Another Young Talent to Join GVK Elit

GVK continues to strengthen its women's team with another talented young player in Elin Andersson, 19 years old. Elin comes from GVK's developmental team who last season played in the Allsvenskan league. Elin Andersson has also been training with the elite team last season, where she has made quite a positive impression, securing her first elitserien contract.

We are very pleased with that Elin signed for GVK. She is yet another in a recent series of players from GVK's youth that have earned a place in the A-squad.

Interview with Daniel Magnusson

Name: Daniel Magnusson
Age: 29
Lives: Gislaved
Playing Experience: Ljungby VBK 2002-2005, LVBK beach volleyball 2002-2005, KFUM Jonkoping 2006-2007.
Coaching Experience: Ljungby VBK Youth Coach 2004-2006, Småland District Team Coach in 2005; from 2008 to 2012, he was a trainer in various roles including head coach of Ljungby's elite team before he came to Gislaved VK last season. In addition, he has coached college teams from the United States in various international tournaments in Europe alongside Bring it Promotions. He has also coaches a summer camp in Alaska and held skill sessions at Jacksonville Juniors in Florida.
Hobbies: Travel; I love cities with a lot of culture and history.

Additional player contracted for GVK

Gislaved Volleyboll Klubb has signed a contract with Terese Bengtsson. Terese comes from GVK's junior team who last season played in Allsvenskan. GVK continues to work long-term to give our own players the opportunity to develop to become elite players. Terese is a young player, with great potential, and we very much look forward to seeing her continue to develop.

Jessica Lakatos Signs with GVK

Jessica's rehab training has gone so well that she has chosen to renew the contract.

After a year of problems with injuries Jessica is ready for a new start with GVK this fall.

"It feels great now, my craving for volleyball has come back after a good rehab workouts and I feel strong and ready for a new season. It will be very exciting to see what we can achieve with the new coach and new players," says Jessica.