In her final match for Borussia Dortmund, Alina Grijseels once again showed her class and said goodbye to her fans not only with four goals, but also – just like goalkeeper Yara ten Holte – with an outstanding performance in the 36-25 win against Leverkusen.

"Alina Grijseels has shaped women's handball in Dortmund like almost no other player. She has become an exceptional player at BVB and helped to take handball in Dortmund to another level," said president Dr. Reinhold Lunow, praising the 27-year-old, two-time German handball player of the year. She was the face of the team that dominated the 2019/20 season until the league was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and was captain of the 2021 league-winning team. Grijseels is moving to France next season to join top European club Metz Handball. "I will miss the club and the people who work for it. I have made friend for life here," Grijseels stressed in an interview with the Borussia members' magazine, which will be published in 14 days.

In Yara ten Holte, another member of the 2021 title-winning team is leaving BVB. The goalkeeper is looking for a new sporting challenge with Champions League regulars Odense Handbold. "We also respect Yara's decision and wish her the greatest possible success in her further sporting career! That goes not only for Yara ten Holte and Alina Grijseels, but for all the other players who are leaving us after an intense season, which was fraught with some problems, but in the end has finished quite successfully on the court," stressed Lunow. Other bronze medal winners from Graz – Sophie Moth, Madita Kohorst, Zoe Stens and Sara Garovic – also said farewell on Saturday. Dr. Lunow: "I would also like to thank two people who do not naturally seek out the spotlight, fitness coach Tobias Vogt and physiotherapist Hanjin So."
(br)