Madhesh United signs Dutch star Kirsten Wessels for women’s volleyball league

Madhesh United has signed Dutch outside hitter Kirsten Wessels for the second edition of the Vatsalya Everest Women’s Volleyball League (WVL).

Wessels is Madhesh United’s third foreign player. Earlier, the club had already announced Dutch players Romee Veenstra and Danique Aadema.

The 26-year-old Wessels is known for her versatility, strong attacks, and solid defense. She began her volleyball career with the domestic club LSVB, then moved to RTC Groningen, and later joined the prestigious Talent Team Papendal, where her skills gained national attention.

She then joined one of the Netherlands’ top clubs, Sliedrecht Sport, where she won national titles and performed strongly in European competitions. She currently plays for Sudosa-Desto, continuing her excellent form.

Wessels has represented the Netherlands in the U-19 and U-20 national teams at European and World Championships.

Madhesh United expressed happiness in signing Wessels, believing her quick spikes, blocking skills, and international experience will benefit the team.

Wessels herself said she is excited to join Madhesh United. She added that playing in Nepal will give her career a new dimension and that the league will help raise the level of women’s volleyball in Nepal and inspire young players.

With all three foreign players coming from the Netherlands, Madhesh United’s signings are seen as an important step in sports exchange between the two countries.

The team’s marquee player is Niruta Thagunna, with Kopila Upreti as head coach, and model-actress Niti Shah as the brand ambassador.

The second edition of the Vatsalya Everest Women’s Volleyball League, organized by Infinity Dreams, will take place in Pokhara from Bhadra 20 to 28 (September 5–13).

Madhesh United squad: Niruta Thagunna (marquee), Aarti Subedi, Kopila Rana, Saraswati Kattel, Usha Bista, Babita Bohora, Basanti Saud, Sneha Thagunna