Netherlands release long list for 2021 Women's VNL

Coach Avital Selinger has announced the long list of players called up for duty in the women's national team of the Netherlands ahead of their participation in the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, which starts next month within a secure 'bubble' in the Italian resort of Rimini

The Netherlands have not competed internationally since the 2019 European Championship, when they finished fifth after getting knocked out by Turkey in the quarterfinals. Earlier that year the Dutch national team had ranked 11th in the VNL.

Most players from the 2019 squad are back again to represent the Netherlands this year and coach Selinger has left the option open to add to the roster any younger players deemed fit to help out.

This is the full list, as announced Wednesday night by the Dutch Volleyball Federation:

● Setters: Laura Dijkema, Britt Bongaerts, Sarah van Aalen, Charlot Vellener, Fleur Meinders.

● Opposites: Celeste Plak, Annick Meijers, Iris Scholten, Famke Boonstra.

● Outside hitters: Maret Grothues, Anne Buijs, Nika Daalderop, Marrit Jasper, Nicole Oude Luttikhuis, Fleur Savelkoel.

● Middle blockers: Robin de Kruijf, Yvon Belien, Nicole Koolhaas, Juliet Lohuis, Eline Timmerman, Demi Korevaar, Indy Baijens, Laura de Zwart, Tessa Polder.

● Liberos: Myrthe Schoot, Kirsten Knip, Hester Jasper, Florien Reesink.

In addition to the 2021 VNL, the Netherlands' other obligation this year is the European Championship to be jointly hosted by Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania in August.