The rising handball stars of the Women's 19 EHF EURO: Gabriella Tóth

One of the most talented players in the Hungarian team at the Women’s 19 EHF EURO is Gabriella Tóth, who also happens to be the youngest member of the squad.

Tóth, who has born in 1996, tried several sports as a child: soccer, table tennis, athletics and handball.

Her first taste of handball was sitting on the side-line at her sister’s sessions during primary school, helping pass the balls back to the court. When she finally got her chance to play with the team, she fell for handball very quickly.

"My career was started in my hometown of Komádi. We used to participate in many tournaments with the school team. When I was 13, Győr wanted to have me in their team, so I moved to a student hostel in Győr and my parents soon followed me," explained Tóth.

Sport was always a feature in the household, her mother played football and handball at national level and her father was also a football player.

Gabriella played through the various levels of competition since her arrival at Györ: country championship, national youth championship, youth team, junior team, before joining the senior ranks with the second division team of Győr.

In 2012, she joined Veszprém and made an instant impact in the top division as one of the best players in her team, scoring more than 100 goals during the 2012/13 season.

International experience

The centre back was invited to under 17 team in 2010 by Kálmán Róth and played in the W17 EHF EURO in 2011, where Hungary finished in fourth place. Shortly afterwards, the under 19 team came calling.

"I was very happy when they called me. My teammates are a year or two older than me, so they can help me a lot.

“I was there with them during the whole preparation phase for the 2012 W19 World Championship, but three days before we travelled it was clear that I cannot participate because I wasn't 16 yet,” added Tóth.

The Hungarian U19 began their W19 EHF EURO preparation on 1 July. They participated in a cup against Poland, Romania and Denmark.

Hungary finished second with the same points, but a weaker goal difference than world champions Denmark and Tóth thinks this is a promising omen before W19 EHF EURO.

"I guess we have a chance to win a medal and I think we will reach the final. I see our team are developing step by step and we all can fight for each other," explained the 16-year-old.

If her handball skills develop like in the previous years, here is one player to watch out for at the highest level in the near future.

"I guess it's all about my power of will. I always wanted to be the best in my team and of course I hope to reach the Hungarian national team one day," concluded Tóth.