Kathrine Heindahl Returns to Handball with Team Esbjerg after Maternity Leave

Denmark's Kathrine Heindal (R) and Sandra Toft hug each other before the World Championship quarter-final against Montenegro in 2023

Danish handball star Kathrine Heindahl is back in action with Team Esbjerg after giving birth. Find out about her journey and goals for the upcoming World Championships.

“My goal has always been the European Championships in 2026, but since then, other key players in the national team have...”

Danish international line player Kathrine Heindahl has signed a new contract with Team Esbjerg until the end of the season. After giving birth to her son Alfred in mid-July, Heindahl is eager to regain her fitness and potentially join the Danish squad for the Handball World Championships later this year.

Just two months postpartum, Heindahl has resumed training with Team Esbjerg, focusing on building up her tempo and match fitness. Despite the challenges, she's determined to reach her goals, including competing in the World Championships. Heindahl's experience and leadership skills will be valuable assets to the team, and she's looking forward to combining her family life with her handball career.

Heindahl's primary objective was to prepare for the 2026 European Championships, but with recent changes in the Danish national team's lineup, she's now also considering the possibility of participating in this year's World Championships. Her journey back to handball has been carefully planned, with the help of the women's national team's former physical trainer, Line Hovgaard-Hansen.

Team Esbjerg's coach, Tomas Axnér, is thrilled to have Heindahl back on board, praising her skills as a defender and leader. With Heindahl's addition, the team now boasts three top-level line players, which will elevate the quality of their training sessions.

The club has extended its contract with a 33-year-old line player until the end of the season. This player will join forces with two new recruits, Olivia Loefqvist and Tabea Schmid, who bring valuable experience to the team.

The addition of these two players is expected to strengthen the team's lineup, and with the experienced 33-year-old line player, they may form a formidable partnership.

“It is a dream scenario that I can now combine family life and handball, and there was not much time to think before I said yes. I have an idea that the club will buy into my experience, charisma, and leadership, and that I will win at all costs.”

“In addition, I have a lot of experience from having participated in big matches with the club team and the national team, which I think I can pass on to Olivia and Tabea,” says Kathrine Heindahl.

Kathrine Heindahl has rejoined Team Esbjerg after giving birth to her son Alfred in mid-July. The Danish international line player has signed a contract with the club until the end of the season and is eager to regain her fitness. Heindahl has expressed her excitement about balancing family life with her handball career, stating, “It's a dream scenario that I can now combine family life and handball.”

Heindahl's ambitions extend beyond her club career, as she's also eyeing a spot on the Danish national team for the World Championships later this year. Although her primary goal was to prepare for the 2026 European Championships, recent changes in the national team's lineup have made her consider the World Championship as a potential target. With 145 caps and medals from the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships, Heindahl's experience and leadership skills will be valuable assets to the team.

“My goal has always been the European Championships in 2026, but since then, other key players in the national team have become unavailable for the tournament, and I can't excuse myself from thinking about the World Championships at the end of the year. I'm going to chase it.” says Heindahl.

Kathrine Heindahl tilbage i Team Esbjerg: Fik drømmejobbet efter barsel https://t.co/oQQlRahl58 pic.twitter.com/0mWt3Lclsx

— Esbjerg Liv (@EsbjergLiv) September 23, 2025

Heindahl's Current Situation:

• Club Career: Heindahl has signed with Team Esbjerg until the end of the season and will play alongside Olivia Løfqvist and Tabea Schmid.

• Fitness Progress: She's made significant progress in her training, having resumed full-contact practice and now focusing on building her tempo and match fitness.

• National Team Ambitions: Heindahl hopes to be considered for the Danish national team, particularly for the World Championships, despite initially aiming for the 2026 European Championships.