The rising stars of the Women's 19 EHF EURO: Tereza Pokorná

The Czech Republic’s under-19 team contain two winners of the federation’s rookie of the year award, Veronika Malá and Eliška Jačková, but the stand out performer for the team in qualification for Denmark was Tereza Pokorná.

Family had an influence on the Slavia Prague player starting handball and she never looked back.

“I took my first steps in handball because my father was a handball player. It´s been ten years and this sport has become my passion,” said the tall back court shooter.

Her family support her and the team in a major way and will be present to cheer them on in Denmark. This support is so important for Tereza not only in the national team but also with Slavia Prague.

She was successful with the club from an early age and was soon drafted into the underage national teams.

Becoming a leader

Pokorná was a member of both the youth and junior national teams participating at the World Championship last summer, but her role in the squad has changed dramatically since then, after being given more time on the court and becoming very influential in every game she plays.

“I was surprised at how many minutes I played at the qualification tournament in May this year.

“The coach believes in me and it´s very important that I feel confident and I try to not to disappoint him or the team,” explained Pokorná.

The 19-year-old scored 24 times in three matches during qualification and will undoubtedly be looking for a similar high level in Denmark.

However, the priority for her is a team success and there is one important question – what is success for the Czech team in Denmark?

“We want to win some matches in the first round and go through. We feel that we have a chance against Croatia and we want to surprise the Netherlands in the first match.

“Denmark is another level and in my opinion the biggest favourite for the tournament. Most of this team won bronze last year at the European Open, so we hope that we can fight with the best teams and get inside the top 10,” said Pokorná.

Ambitions

After the tournament, she will return to club action with Slavia Prague team, winner of the Czech cup and a Women’s Challenge Cup participant next season.

“Slavia returns to European handball next season and I´m so happy that I can be there. I’m glad that I can play with many players who are part of the national team. The senior national team is one of my biggest goals,” says Tereza, who dreams not only about the women´s national team but also about playing abroad, ideally in Germany.

“There is a long way to go until I fulfill these goals. I have to work so hard and believe that my chance will come and it´s fantastic that I have support of my parents,” concludes Pokorná.

Czech Republic open their Women’s 19 EHF EURO campaign on 1 August at 15:30 hrs. against the Netherlands in Group C. You can follow every match live on the official event website.