Rising star Van Williams has big korfball dreams

Van has shown strong commitment to korfball since he started with Mixx: now in Year 11 at Riccarton High School, and a member of Mixx West district, he also made the New Zealand U21 squad this year as a non-traveling reserve, and the NZ U19 squad going to Australia in September

When and how did you first discover korfball?

I first found out about korfball in Year Seven when Torsten came to my primary school to take sessions with the Year Seven and Eight classes. 

Why did it appeal to you?

Torsten started off by making us play a very simple version of korfball, almost like netball with different hoops, but slowly the uniqueness of it started coming out and it was less like netball than I expected. There was a different strategy and style to the game that I really enjoyed.

When did you realise you were hooked on korfball, and what made you feel that way?

I joined Mixx back in 2022, when the Sunday league happened over the summer. Playing in those weekly, having heaps of fun while doing it, made me realise that I would love to pursue korfball as a sport long-term.

What has been your best korfball experience so far?

Being chosen as a non-travelling reserve for the New Zealand U21 squad has meant a huge amount to me. The level of training and knowledge is pushing me to be a better player, and I can see the progression in my skill and technical play. The people are also amazing: the friendships I’ve made and the family environment is something I’ve been lucky enough to be part of.

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome in korfball?

Dealing with pressure. I’ve found that skills I can easily perform off the court, like making my penalties or run-ins, suddenly become difficult when I’m under pressure in a match. It’s frustrating knowing I can do these things in practice, but my nerves or overthinking get in the way during gameplay. I’ve been working on staying calm and focused so I can bring those same abilities from training into real game situations.

What other sports do you play?

I started playing club football when I was six, and have been consistently playing for nine years since then. My club is Nomads United AFC, though currently I’m only playing for the Riccarton High School First XI. Last year I also picked up volleyball, making my way into my school’s Senior A team. We had some great success at the beginning of this year, taking out first overall at Canterbury Champs and first in Division Two at Nationals. 

What skills from other sports have you brought to korfball, and are there any skills you have taken from korfball that have been useful in other sports?

Playing football and volleyball has helped me develop my skills in korfball. From football, I’ve improved my agility, quick decision-making, and strong marking and passing skills, which help in both attack and defence. Volleyball has improved my jumping, hand-eye coordination, and communication skills that are valuable for intercepting and shooting.

What is your main strength in korfball?

I’d say my biggest strength individually is rebounding. I’m good at getting in the right position, boxing out, and my timing really helps me get to the ball first. As part of the team, I think I communicate well on defence and help keep things organised. I also do a good job controlling the tempo with my passing to keep the game flowing smoothly.

What about your korfball game do you most want to work on?

My movement off the ball is one of the key things I need to work on as a player. Having that in my locker would make me much better as an attacking player, by getting into the right position to receive and shoot. Passing with intention and at the right time is also necessary for my improvement, as it helps prolong attacks by giving my team opportunity.

What is your goal in korfball?

I have three main goals for my korfball career, all revolving around representing New Zealand. I want to break into the U21s travelling squad in 2026, and that will be achieved by proving myself throughout trainings for the rest of the year. Once I do that, I will climb through the ranks in the team, and aim to reach captain of the U21s. I also want to make the senior team while I’m still eligible for the U21s. These are all high-set goals, but with my mentality I know I’ll make them a reality.

Who do you most enjoy playing against?

I always enjoy having to play against people who are better than me, like Charlie in the Community Shields and SISS or Spencer in Winter League, to name a couple. Competing against these guys helps me heaps: making me improvise and adapt to a harder opponent.

Who do you most enjoy playing with and why?

Playing with the U21 crew is awesome and there’s always positive energy in the air that’s great to be around. I really aim to enjoy myself no matter what team I’m on or in what competition, but I love having those special celebrations with friends on the court, whether that be dapping up Jordy, high knees with Gabi after scoring a cheeky step-back, or the classic double fist-pump with Lauren. 

Who in korfball do you most look up to and why?

As a rebounding player, I’m always taking note of little but effective things I see the senior rebounders do that I can incorporate into my own game. Often I find myself watching Youri or Per Tonascia’s old games, looking to find a new trick that I could pick up for the future.

Thanks Van - we look forward to seeing your skills on court as you pursue the awesome goals you have set for yourself