Carina Benninga

Carina Benninga debuted in the Dutch hockey team at the 1983 World Cup, immediately winning the title. Midfielder Benninga was also present when the Dutch won their first ever Olympic hockey gold, at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. She had high hopes for the 1986 World Cup, which was held in the Netherlands, but was unable to play after breaking her collarbone briefly before the start of the tournament. Benninga was captain of the Dutch team at the next World Cup, and she led her team to victory, beating the Australian hosts in the final. At the 1992 Olympics, Benninga became the first Dutch woman to carry the flag at the opening ceremonies. She retired from hockey after a disappointing 6th place. She took up coaching, first as assistant-coach of the US team, later of several Dutch league clubs. She currently runs her own coaching business.