On Monday evening, Dortmund’s athletes of the year were honoured. The BVB women’s handball team and former captain Alina Grijseels took first place in their respective categories, and a BVB footballer was also delighted.

After the sensational 2022/23 season, which ended with them winning the bronze medal in the European League and taking third place in the Bundesliga, the BVB handball ladies were named Dortmund’s 2023 Team of the Year. With 48 percent of the votes, they beat off stiff competition from the German Men’s Eight (rowing) and Westfalia Hombruch (handball).

“We are incredibly proud to have been named Dortmund’s Team of the Year. We more than deserved it after the rollercoaster ride on the court. It was great how we fought for it. Congratulations to the team and everyone around it,” said head of department Rupert Thiele. Current captain Alicia Stolle said: “This is a really cool group. Everyone gives their all, we all stand together and fight for each other. The European games that are coming up soon are a major goal. It’s going to be hard, but we’re doing everything we can to compete in Europe again.”

Former BVB captain Alina Grijseels was named Dortmund’s 2023 Sportswoman of the Year. The handballer, who is now under contract with Metz Handball in France, had spent 09 years at BVB. With 38.5 percent of the votes, she won the individual award at the third attempt ahead of Tabea Schenkedehl (rowing) and Svenja Müller (beach volleyball).  

“I am delighted that so many people voted for me. It was my third attempt, but as we all know, it was third time lucky. Thanks to the club and the fans,” she said via a video message from France. “It was extremely special for me last year and I’m proud of everything we achieved. Thanks to my girls and everyone around the club. I could not have won this without you.” At the request of Grijseels, Lisa Antl, her teammate at BVB until the summer, accepted the award on her behalf. 

Danylo Krevsun, a midfielder playing for Dortmund’s U19s, took third place with 15.6 percent of the votes in the Sportsman of the Year behind para-rower Jan Helmich and track and field athlete Manuel Sanders. The Ukrainian had fled to Dortmund with his mother before the Russian war of aggression and immediately made an impression with Preußen Münster before going on to shine for BVB since February 2023. So far, Krevsun has scored six goals in nine Bundesliga games in the A-Junioren Bundesliga West.

“Danylo has become a real Dortmund lad and a role model for many younger players. He gives it his all in every game and always pushes himself to the limit. It’s a great story that we can all appreciate,” said Lars Ricken, director of the youth performance centre. “His teammates, who are still particularly pleased to have him in the team, have welcomed him with open arms. He is exactly the type of player the lads need so that they can also reflect on themselves from time to time. He is very popular with his teammates and is highly regarded as an athlete and as a person.”

The poll was taken by the Ruhr Nachrichten and Radio 91.2. Nearly 8400 readers and listeners cast their votes.

If you want to see Dortmund’s Team of the Year in action, come along to the Helmut-Körnig-Halle on 12 November as Borussia Dortmund’s handball ladies face Romanian side HC Dunarea Braila in the third and final qualifying round for the EHF European League. Tickets are available now for all fans to purchase. (cr)

Photos: RN/fotostephan

BVB TV: Borussia Dortmund in Europe! Women’s handball team in the EHF Final Four