Arno Havenga is a former player and was a member of the Dutch National Team at the height of their success, participating at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics.
After finishing his playing career in 2006, Havenga joined Robin Van Galen’s coaching staff as assistant coach, and played a big role in helping the Netherlands secure a historic Olympic Gold medal in Beijing 2008.Â
When Van Galen retired in 2013, Havenga was appointed his successor and made an immediate impact in the top job; finishing runner-up at the European Championships twice in a row (2014 & 2016) as well as winning Silver at the 2015 World Championships held in Kazan.Â
Havenga, however, did not have it all his own way with the Women’s national team. He and his country were dealt a huge blow as they failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games via the qualification tournament held in front of a home crowd at Gouda. Â
But there was no doubt that Arno Havenga was a top coach, and his best days as the Dutch national team coach lay ahead. In 2018, the 46-year-old had the most successful year of his coaching career, winning the 2018 European Championships in Barcelona, and finishing second in the World League in Kunshan, China. He was later named Coach of the Year by the World Water Polo Coaches Association.Â
In what would be his last tournament before stepping down as national team head coach, Havenga led the Netherlands to a sixth place finish at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Arno Havenga’s Top 5 of 2021
1. Simone van der Kraast
Dutch National Player | Clubs: Polar Bears/CN Mataro | Position: Right Driver
Simone played an excellent tournament. Her first Olympics and her first year that she was one of the key players in the Dutch team. Because I’ve followed her closely, I know that she did everything to become better every day and this payed off. She performed well and ended as leading scorer of the Olympic Games.
2. Alda Magyari (HUN)
Hungarian National Player | Clubs: Dunajvaros | Position: Goalkeeper
Alda has been a big problem for all the Hungarian opponents during the Olympics. She has found her spot in the Hungarian team not long before the Olympics and performed as an very experienced goalie. Especially for this position in the game, where experience very important. She has played the most important role in the success of the Hungarian team this year!
3. Maggie Steffens
US National Player | Club: CN Sabadell | Position: Left Driver
Maggie is always the big motor behind team USA. And she lead her team to their third consecutive Olympic Gold. She deserves a spot on this list not only because of her excellent plays, but definitely also because of her leadership.
3. Maica Garcia Godoy (ESP)
Spanish National Player | Club: CN Sabadell | Position: Centre Forward
Maica is in my opinion the best center forward in the world. Even though she played a bit less than usual, she is the key player of the Spanish team. Because of her performance the other top players in this team can excel in the game and with this she has a great contribution to the Spanish successes for over all these years.
