Balancing Passion and Challenge: The Journey of Kathrine Mikkelsen
For the past two years, Kathrine Mikkelsen has faced the challenging reality of sidelined ambitions due to a torn cruciate ligament and meniscus. Yet, this setback has not diminished her love for handball; instead, it has redirected her energy into coaching. As she transitions from being an assistant coach to the head coach of the youth national team since August 1, the 33-year-old has plenty on her plate.
Mikkelsen, a trained physiotherapist, resides in Silkeborg and works as a neurological specialist at Viborg Hospital. Her expertise in physical health complements her coaching role, where she’s become an essential figure in nurturing young talent.
Recently, Mikkelsen traveled to Gudme on South Funen, dedicated to training promising Greenlandic players currently in Denmark. After returning home to Silkeborg on Sunday, she hurriedly packed for an upcoming trip to Iceland, where the women’s national team is set to train and compete against Iceland’s U20 squad.
A Journey Fueled by Experience
Mikkelsen’s commitment to the sport runs deep. As a playmaker for Silkeborg-Voel YMCA in the Danish 2nd division, she has also played at higher levels, including the 1st division during the club’s ascent to the elite league. Throughout her journey, education and career have always taken precedence over her personal aspirations in handball.
Since 2010, she has proudly represented Greenland in approximately 35 international matches.
“It was somewhat serendipitous how I became involved with the Greenlandic national team,” Mikkelsen reminisces. “I played with a few girls from Greenland, and they inquired about my connection to the country.”
Her familial ties run deep: “My grandmother hails from Sisimiut and moved to Denmark when my mother was just four.” Within weeks of that initial conversation, Mikkelsen found herself competing in a tournament in Argentina, an experience she describes as transformative.
“Handball has opened doors for me all over the world—Mexico, South Korea, Puerto Rico, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Cuba, Argentina, and countless trips to Greenland,” she adds. “It’s been monumental in deepening my connection to Greenland.”
Embracing Leadership
Coaching is not a new venture for Mikkelsen. Having spent years training both boys and girls at various levels, she currently serves as a playing coach for Silkeborg-Voel YMCA and has now stepped into the role of head coach for the youth national team after a stint as an assistant.
“Following our trip to Iceland, I’ll be heading to Mexico City with the youth national team for the IHF Trophy Cup,” she shares. This tournament is part of a global series aimed at qualifying for the World Championships next summer. “While luck is a factor and avoiding injuries is critical, I genuinely believe we have a solid shot at qualifying.”
The top two teams in Mexico will earn places in the prestigious World Championships.
The Backbone of Training
Mikkelsen’s history with injuries has provided her with valuable insight into the importance of rigorous training regimes. She understands better than most how critical strength training is to ensure that athletes’ bodies can withstand the demands placed upon them.
A Moment of Respite
Looking ahead, Mikkelsen is eager for a brief period of calm. After a whirlwind six months filled with enriching experiences and extensive travels for tournaments, she notes, “After the trip to Mexico, the calendar offers just one gathering with Greenlandic talents in Denmark this December.”
Her journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in both coaching and sport.