Lonneke Gijsbers: The Latest Top Transfer to Wannet Sports Insurance

Wannet Sports Insurance proudly welcomes Lonneke Gijsbers as Office Manager within the team. With a background in both top-level sports and business support, Lonneke brings a wealth of experience and energy. Her passion for sports and organizational skills make her the perfect addition to the team. "Lonneke's versatility and experience in both the sports and business world make her a valuable asset to our company. We look forward to her fresh ideas and innovative approach," says Joseph Wannet, CEO of Wannet Sports Insurance.

Let's get to know Lonneke better by exploring her story and motivations.

Where are you from?

I come from the cozy town of Boxmeer in Brabant, where my family still lives. Now I live in Lent, a village next to Nijmegen on the other side of the Waal River. Professionally, I come from Yor-in, a company that specializes in seconding professionals in five different fields, mainly in the Food and Manufacturing industry.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

Being active! That’s something that makes me happy. Currently, I do strength and boot camp training, tennis, and golf. But if a friend calls me to fill in for a hockey match, join a boxing class, or play padel, I always say yes. Additionally, I love taking beautiful trips, especially outside of Europe.

What truly makes you happy?

Taking unique trips and spending time with my family and friends. That is my wealth.

Do you have a favorite sport or team?

I played hockey for 27 years, so that was always my passion. NEC also holds a special place in my heart since I grew up going to the Goffert Stadium with my grandfather.

If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?

Maskerloos (Maskless). For me, it is important to always be 100% yourself.

Have you been given a nickname during your career, and if so, what’s the story behind it?

Yes, my nickname is Gijsje. When I started playing hockey in Nijmegen at 13, I was the second Lonneke on the team. Because my last name is Gijsbers, they quickly started calling me Gijs or Gijsje. To this day, my hockey friends still call me that.

Where did you go to school, and what did you study?

I first studied Marketing and Communication at the Johan Cruyff College (MBO) and then Sport Marketing at the Johan Cruyff Academy in Amsterdam (HBO). At that time, I played in the Dutch Hockey Premier League (Hoofdklasse) for NMHC Nijmegen and only had to attend school twice a week, which allowed me to keep living in Nijmegen.

Who in the business or sports world inspires you and why?

I greatly admire individual athletes. It is impressive how they compete at the top level without teammates, relying only on their coaching staff. Documentaries like Set Point and Full Swing show how crucial mental strength is to achieving success in these sports.

How did the transition from your previous job to Wannet Sports Insurance come about?

A former colleague tipped me off about this vacancy. I looked into it, and since March 1, I have been working at Wannet with great enthusiasm.

How has your experience in your previous job prepared you for your new role?

At Yor-in, I was Office Manager and the point of contact for about 90 colleagues, which involved a wide range of responsibilities. I bring this experience to Wannet, where I aim to support and coordinate my colleagues while also contributing innovative and commercial ideas to help grow the company.

What do you consider your biggest challenge and achievement in your career so far?

My biggest achievement was making my debut in the Dutch Hockey Premier League at 19. Due to an injury to a teammate, I unexpectedly became a starting player for an entire season. My biggest challenge was dealing with my own injury a year later—a tear in my oblique muscle—which took a long time to heal.

Can you share a highlight from your life that has special meaning for you?

My years as a top athlete at NMHC Nijmegen, from the youth teams to the first women’s team. Playing a team sport teaches you a lot: teamwork, handling losses, and developing mental resilience.

If you could develop an innovative insurance product, what would it look like?

I would create an insurance package for individual athletes who are not affiliated with sports clubs. They often lack coverage, such as tennis players, golfers, gymnasts, and Formula 1 drivers.

What do you hope to achieve in your new role?

I want to provide a supportive and coordinating role within the team while also contributing new initiatives and future plans that help drive Wannet's success.

Looking back on your career, what advice would you give to your younger self?

I would have loved to live abroad for a while—to study, work, or travel the world. That is something I would definitely recommend to my younger self.

If you could pass a new law, what would it be?

A law against the use of artificial additives, E-numbers, and added sugars in food. Let’s call it The Honest Food Act.

If you had fifteen seconds of the world's attention, what would you do or say?

Live in peace with one another and treat each other with respect.

Lonneke’s story showcases how passion for sports, a strong work ethic, and organizational talent come together in her new role at Wannet Sports Insurance. We are delighted to have her on our team and look forward to her contributions to our success. Welcome to the club, Lonneke!

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