Former IHF Women’s World Handball Player of the Year (2011) and multiple IHF Women’s World Championship and Olympic Games medallist Heidi Loke has been announced as the new assistant coach for the Poland women’s national team.

Loke will work alongside fellow Norwegian, Arne Senstad, who has been head coach of Poland since August 2019 and who is also her coach at Norwegian club side Larvik HK.

“I'm very happy to have been given this opportunity. I had the opportunity to work with the national team for a week last year and it was amazing to be a part of this team,” said Loke to the Polish Handball Association website upon her announcement. “I'm really looking forward to working with the girls and the whole coaching staff.”

The 42-year-old has played handball since she was 10 and will combine this, her first coaching role, with her club handball.

On court, her exploits have seen her gain legendary status, winning gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games and 2011 and 2015 IHF Women’s World Championship.

She has also won the EHF European Championship four times (2008, 2010, 2014 and 2020), and EHF Champions League five times (2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2021) leading her to be inducted into the EHF Hall of Fame. Numerous other medals have been gained both with Norway and her various teams, particularly Győr and Vipers Kristiansand, plus numerous MVP and All-star Team awards.

“Acquiring such an outstanding figure as Heidi is a huge reinforcement. Her experience, winning mentality and vast knowledge will be invaluable for our team,” said Polish Handball Association President, Sławomir Szmal. “We believe that her presence will help raise the sports level of the team and have a positive impact on the development of our players. This is another step in building a strong national team.”

Poland face North Macedonia in the IHF Women's World Championship European Qualification Play-offs next month for a spot at Germany/Netherlands 2025.