Meet Hannah and Marieke van de Veen, the dynamic sisters, and colleagues who bring out the best in Volare Sports. Together with Volare Sports, they elevate talented athletes worldwide helping them achieve great success. As an athlete management agency, Volare Sports focuses mainly on African and Dutch athletes, and together they travel the world to conquer top positions at major international running events. In this blog, we will tell you more about Hannah and Marieke, the female energy behind Volare Sports.

How it all began

Their father Gerard van de Veen, the founder of Volare Sports, ignited his passion for athletics. He was always aware of the latest news in the sport, and he also practiced running himself. Eventually, Eventually, through his network he started to guide talented African athletes on their path to the top of Western athletics. He immediately booked a ticket to Kenya. This marked the start of Volare Sports and the rapid growth that followed.

Hannah and Marieke joined the company in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Both were already familiar with the company, having grown up surrounded by athletics. Marieke says, “His enthusiasm positively influenced our whole family and imparted a passion for athletics on us.”

Currently, Marieke and Hannah have various responsibilities within Volare Sports. They deal with finances, visas, contact with organizers and sponsors, and the entire logistics process to support athletes as good as possible. Marieke focuses more on Ethiopia, while Hannah takes care of matters in Kenya. This division happened organically rather than through a conscious decision.

Part of a dream

Hannah finds immense satisfaction in showing athletes that the impossible is possible. Thanks to their years of experience, Volare Sports knows precisely what personal advice and guidance is needed regarding facilities, nutrition, supplements, coaching, and physiotherapy. They pay personal attention to each athlete, and create a warm bond, where a clear sense of family is evident. They aim to enable every athlete to maximize their potential.

“I particularly enjoy thinking about how we can improve things for the athletes. How can we bring out the best in them? Furthermore, traveling and getting to know new cultures never gets old. Despite the busy schedule, it’s very rewarding work.” – Hannah

“One of the most beautiful aspects of our work is being part of an athlete’s dream. It’s amazing to contribute to that dream, and when you witness a fantastic race where everything falls into place, it gives you goosebumps.” – Marieke

Sisters and colleagues

Hannah and Marieke are not only sisters but also colleagues, which means they know each other inside out. They often think alike. Sometimes, one may be more critical than the other, but they can always be honest with each other. Marieke may be more decisive, but Hannah may be more tactful. This balance between them works well.

“We have so many moments of laughter, and we still have the best time together. It never gets boring. People might wonder if we ever get tired of each other, but maybe that only happens at the end of the season,” she jokes, “then I tell Marieke to go on vacation” – Hannah

Both Marieke and Hannah are clear and transparent leaders. Athletes know where they stand and what they can expect. Yet, they are also caring leaders, love to joke around a little bit, and want to be accessible to all their athletes.

Female Leaders in a Male-Dominated World

The athletic world is still dominated by men. For this reason, Hannah and Marieke stand out significantly with Volare Sports and its women’s management. Hannah says, “Since we lead Volare Sports, the company has attracted more women. We love being there for them, and they feel they have a sister they can trust. But the same goes for the men. They don’t mind us being women. Our strength lies in listening and organizing. I think that’s the strength of women in general.”

Hannah and Marieke want to encourage other women to pursue their dreams. Hannah emphasizes that women should never let anyone stop them from achieving their dreams. She believes that hard work will lead to success. Marieke adds, “That notion of ‘don’t let anyone hold you back’ is essential.” She continues, “If you, as a woman, stand your ground and truly want something, you can achieve just as much as a man, or even more. At Volare Sports, we’re here to support them.”

Success Stories at Volare Sports

Volare has witnessed many remarkable moments so far. In this, major victories in significant competitions stand out, such as the TCS New York City Marathon in 2021, where Volare Sports’ athlete Albert Korir from Kenya became the first to cross the finish line. Marieke recalls, “I can still picture that moment, standing there near the finish line, and it all worked out!” The Paris Marathon was equally unforgettable, with an exciting finish involving three or four women, and the Volare Sports athletes securing the 1st and 3rd positions.

Besides these victories, the small conversations in the hotel room or in the restaurant also matter to them. “Sometimes, you have emotional talks with an athlete, and it’s so comforting to be able to put your arm around them and say, ‘This is how we’re going to handle it.’ You realize that you’re a significant person in the athlete’s life at that moment, and that you can genuinely make a positive difference in their life. That’s what I love about the bond between Volare Sports and the athletes,” says Hannah.

Dreams are meant to come true

Hannah and Marieke have many more goals in mind for Volare Sports, along with their athletes. They want to win bigger races and want to help more international talents achieve their dreams. Hannah and Marieke also express their gratitude for their network: “We have a lot of people working for us in Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Netherlands. We have a network of people and sponsors we can always rely on, and without them and our athletes, we could never have achieved what we have achieved today. We are incredibly thankful for that.”

Are you interested in finding out more about what Volare Sports could mean for you as an athlete or sponsor? Reach out to us and we would love to tell you! For the Love of Running!