Three-time Euro Hockey League champion Pien Sanders has retired from international hockey following a glittering career with the Netherlands.

The 28-year-old defender brings down the curtain on a decade in the famous orange shirt, having won two Olympic gold medals, a World Cup title and four European championships during one of the most successful eras in Dutch hockey. In total, she played for the Netherlands 169 times with her final cap coming in the World Cup final this summer.

Announcing her decision, Sanders reflected on a remarkable international journey: “I have had ten incredibly beautiful years in the most beautiful shirt there is.”

“I have been able to achieve all the dreams I had as a little girl, and for that I will always be grateful. But it is time for new things.”

In an interview with Hockey.nl, Sanders revealed that thoughts of retirement first emerged after captaining the Dutch side to the 2025 EuroHockey Championship title. Rather than feeling the excitement of another major triumph, she sensed a change in motivation.

“That almost felt normal. That’s a feeling you really don’t want as a top athlete. You have to stay hungry,” she said. “I felt that my fire was fading. Little by little it became less.”

The home World Cup this summer helped confirm her decision. While the atmosphere and knockout matches still inspired her, she realised the passion she once felt for every international appearance was no longer there.

“I wanted to give everything, go all out and enjoy it. But I honestly didn’t enjoy every match. I felt it. It was time for new things.”

Although stepping away from the international stage, Sanders is not retiring from the sport entirely. She will continue to play club hockey with HC Den Bosch, where she remains a key figure and one of the most decorated players in European club hockey.