Dutch beach volleyball is undergoing major changes as Yorick de Groot partners with Steven van de Velde in preparation for the 2026 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour. This development follows the retirement of de Groot's former teammate, Stefan Boermans, from international play due to personal reasons.
The de Groot-Boermans duo had been among the top pairs globally, achieving multiple stints at the top of the FIVB World Ranking, a fifth-place finish in the 2025 season, and a quarterfinal appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Boermans’ departure opened an opportunity for de Groot to team up with Van de Velde, a seasoned player who most recently competed with Alexander Brouwer and earned a bronze medal at the 2025 European Championship.
Van de Velde, now 31, also participated in the 2024 Olympics with Matthew Immers. His collaboration with de Groot will make its debut at the season-opening Elite16 in João Pessoa, Brazil, scheduled from March 11 to 15.
Other Team Changes in Dutch Beach Volleyball
- Matthew Immers and Leon Luini reunite after a sporadic 2025 season. They plan to participate in March at Challenge events in Tlaxcala and Nayarit.
- On the women’s side, Emi van Driel and Mila Konink are forming a new team to monitor closely.
- Veteran duo Katja Stam and Raisa Schoon will continue their enduring and successful partnership into 2026.
Coaching and Federation Strategy
A key shift off the sand comes with the resignation of longtime coach Reinder Nummerdor, after seven years of service. Meanwhile, head coach Lucas Palermo has extended his contract through the 2028 Olympic cycle. These changes reflect the Dutch federation’s long-term strategy as it eyes the 2027 Beach Volleyball World Championships, which will be hosted in the Netherlands.
With this blend of veteran leadership and fresh partnerships, the Dutch beach volleyball program is positioning itself to be a continued powerhouse on the international stage.
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