As we countdown to the start of the new FIH Hockey Pro League season on 8 December 2026, we are excited to bring you an exclusive pre-season interview series with players and coaches from the world’s top hockey nations participating in the “League of the Best”.
This series will dive into the minds of the sport’s finest athletes and coaches, uncovering their thoughts on the upcoming season, personal goals, and the strategies their teams are crafting to compete at the highest level. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these interviews provide a unique glimpse into the passion, preparation, and drive that fuel the teams vying for glory.
In today’s interview we speak with Charlotte Englebert, captain Belgium women’s hockey team...
Looking back at the 2026 World Cup on home soil, what moments have stayed with you the most, and what did that experience mean to you?
I think probably everytime we had a home game, seeing how full the stadium was and feeling the support of the Belgian fans. It was so good to see how many people came out and pushed us to give 110% for them. The experience was one of the best, as I had the chance to see my grandmothers next to the pitch, because it was so close from where they live, in general, it felt like an honour being able to play on home soil and give back to the people who have been supporting us from the start.
As you come together for a new season, how would you describe the mood within the Red Panthers squad?
Heading into this new season, the group looks a bit different, we have a few new players and a few taking a break, but the mood is good, everyone is eager to work and improve on the points we took from the World cup. And really excited to start the Pro League in Valencia in December.
What do you see as this team’s biggest strengths, and where do you feel you can still grow together?
The biggest strengths would be our physical qualities, our counter attacks, and the aggressive mindset on pressing, we can for sure make steps in our goal scoring efficiency and be more dynamic in our way of play, although we have already made steps in that.
What are your personal ambitions for this new FIH Hockey Pro League season, and what would a successful campaign look like for the team?
Knowing that the Pro League offers a ticket for the Olympics to the winner, we definitely want to go for that, I think the team is ready to perform at every game, that’s something we really created over the years… focus on winning every game and not trying to leave anything to chance.
What do you enjoy most about competing in the Pro League, and what can fans expect from the Red Panthers this season?
The nicest thing about Pro League for the players is most probably the travelling and discovering other countries, playing against different but very competitive teams every time. It means we can also stay consistent with our progress and consistently assess where we stand and what we need to train to become better, as the small details matters the most at the top.
