Falling and getting back up again, that’s part of both business and sport.”
In this interview series, players from the Hockey Club Klein Zwitserland (HCKZ), share their perspective on teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. Their stories offer insight into what it takes to perform at a high level, on and off the hockey field.
This edition spotlights Wies van Loon. At just twenty years old, she is in her third season at KZ and already serving her second year as captain of Dames 1.
Teamwork as the foundation
For Wies, teamwork is about honesty, connection, and responsibility. “When a team embraces those things, you build an incredibly close group. Three years ago, no one at KZ Dames 1 knew each other, and now we’re a very tight-knit team.”
What distinguishes a strong team from a championship team? “A championship team dares to address each other honestly; but always with the goal of helping one another improve, never to bring someone down. And you must be willing to go through fire for each other. That’s a non‑negotiable.”
Ambition and Personal Development
As captain, Wies challenges herself each season to find the right balance between leading the team and focusing on her own performance. “A pitfall for me is spending too much energy putting others in the right positions, which sometimes makes me forget my own tasks. I’m working on that.”
Success, she says, is both personal and collective. “Personally, I feel successful when I see that I have developed in the areas that I wanted to improve in. For the team, success is achieving the goals we set together – and yes, winning a title is certainly part of that.”
A moment she is especially proud of is her Hoofdklasse debut for HGC Dames 1.
“I had just turned 17 and was able to play for a few minutes in an important match against HDM. What made it even more special is that I was on the field with my sister. I still look back on that moment with pride.”
Competitiveness and Mindset
She handles pressure well, especially in decisive moments. “When things get stressful, a voice in my head always says: ‘It’s just a game.’ Because of that, I hardly feel nervous, even when taking a penalty stroke or corner.”
Her mental resilience comes from learning, reflecting, and moving on quickly. “I always try to believe in myself and remind myself that things will be okay. I don’t like to dwell too long on moments that didn’t go well. I reflect, learn from them, and then continue. It makes me mentally stronger every time.”
The Connection with Main Capital
Just like Main Capital Partners, HCKZ Dames 1 operates with clear values: ambition, collaboration, and performance‑driven focus.
“At the start of every season, we create team values and set our goals. If a team doesn’t live up to ambition, collaboration, and performance mentality, I doubt whether the goals can be met. These values are essential in top‑level sport.”
Companies, Wies says, can learn a lot from sports teams. “Discipline is crucial. Nobody should give up on the team’s direction. Falling and getting back up again, that’s part of both business and sport.”
Important Lessons
The most valuable lesson hockey has taught her? “Treat the people around you well. They’re essential for reaching your goals, on and off the field. And feedback from others is incredibly important.”
Her advice to young talents dreaming of the Hoofdklasse? “Keep the joy in the game. If you lose the fun, you can’t give everything at training, and giving everything is the most important part of playing at the top.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead five years, Wies hopes to still be playing for KZ Dames 1, ideally in the Hoofdklasse, while having completed her bachelor’s degree and started her professional career.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season? Her goal is clear: Promotion to the Promotieklasse. A challenge she and her team are fully committed to achieving – together.
