Behind the Scenes: 2015 Hockey World League Finals

STX athletes, Nina Hasselmann (Germany) and Jeroen Hertzberger (Netherlands) give us a peek behind the scenes to see what it’s like to play at the prestigious Hockey World League finals. Nina and Jeroen traveled to Raipur, India and Rosario, Argentina along with the best men and women’s teams from around the world to compete for their spot in the 2016 Rio games.

Check out some behind the scenes photos and a few of our favorite Tweets and Instagram highlights from Nina and Jeroen during the 2015 World League Finals: 

On the way to Argentina to the World League Final @STXFH! #playhuge pic.twitter.com/zMlqDP0zWX

— Hasselmann Nina (@NinaFoxi) November 27, 2015

Landed safely with @DieDanas.few hours off to learn for my last exam on wednesday @pfh_goettingen @GoetheInstBsAs pic.twitter.com/spbfDysD5i

— Hasselmann Nina (@NinaFoxi) November 28, 2015

Ready for the game against NED @STXFH #HWL2015 #playhuge pic.twitter.com/FP2OoijaOn

— Hasselmann Nina (@NinaFoxi) December 5, 2015

There's no rest for an elite athlete. Even during games Nina takes time to stay on her grind and workout!

When she wasn’t competing or working out, Nina explored the beautiful city of Rosario and enjoyed authentic Argentinian food. 

"You haven't beaten Germany until they are on the bus on the way home" ?? semis against NZL #HWL2015 #happyfaces pic.twitter.com/Opml4Fdk83

— DANAS Hockeyteam GER (@DieDanas) December 11, 2015

It’s all smiles for the Danas after winning the quarterfinals shoot out against Australia. That W allowed them to advance into the semifinals against New Zealand. 

Nina joins her team on field before the bronze medal game against China. 

 

#HWL2015 GOOD LUCK @diedanas #bronze #Makeyourmark #enjoyhockey

A photo posted by GraciasSole10Garcia (@gracias10solegarcia) on

Dec 13, 2015 at 11:12am PST

Nina shows off her Bronze medal (and Hammer 500) after an exciting win over China. Following a great showing in the world league, Germany qualified for the 2016 Olympics.  

 

Nice welcome at Raipur Airport! #hwl2015 #fih

A video posted by Jaystagram (@jeroenhertzberger) on

Nov 23, 2015 at 3:48am PST

Jeroen and his teammates received a warm welcome from the World League host country when they arrived at the Ralpur, India airport. 

 

Semi final vs Australia tomorrow! Watch it live on starsports.com!

A photo posted by Jaystagram (@jeroenhertzberger) on

Dec 3, 2015 at 12:42am PST

The Oranje led an exciting match against Canada in the quarterfinals, beating the Red Caribous 2-0. 

 

Onze goed heilig man #sinterklaas heeft de tijd genomen om helemaal naar Raipur te komen! Gelukkig was hij door het tijdverschil op tijd terug in Nederland! ????????

A photo posted by Jaystagram (@jeroenhertzberger) on

Dec 5, 2015 at 7:14am PST

Off the pitch, Jeroen was getting in the holiday spirit posing with Sinterklaas, a Dutch version of Santa Claus!

Both athletes dominated for their teams throughout the Finals. Nina helped Germany take home the Bronze after their 6-2 win over China. And Jeroen helped the defending World League Champs defeat Argentina and Canada before falling to India (2-3) in the bronze medal play-off match.