Laura Jansen – from libero to leading scorer

Laura Jansen is competing at her first European Championship. She is a key player for the Netherlands at CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026, where they are yet to lose a match in Pool C, played in Baku, and are already qualified for the upcoming eighthfinals in Istanbul. As an 1.80m-tall outside hitter, Jansen is one of the leading scorers for the Netherlands, but when her journey with the national team started last season, she was first used as a libero.

Jansen’s professional career started after she returned to Europe, following five seasons of college volleyball in the United States. She played in the French league for two seasons before transferring to one of the strongest domestic championships, Poland’s TAURON Liga, where she will return after EuroVolley for her second season as a player of DevelopRes Rzeszow.

As the Netherlands’ EuroVolley 2026 campaign is unfolding in Baku, their 25-year-old rising star took the time to answer cev.eu’s questions.

How did it all start for you and volleyball?

Laura Jansen (LJ): I started in a small club in a small city in my country. My dad was my coach there. When I was 17, I was seen in a youth tournament, and then I went on to play college volleyball. For four years, I played for Arkansas Little Rock University in the United States, and then I went to Pac-12 with Washington State University for another season. After that, I played for two years in France, and then I went with my coach to Poland.

So, you started to play volleyball because of your dad?

LJ: Yes! My whole family actually plays volleyball. My dad was a really good setter, so he set a good example for me. My brother used to play, but not anymore… And my mom also. She is on the shorter side, but jumps really high, so I think I got that from her! (laughs)

It’s your second season with the national team. You started as a libero last year and now you are an outside hitter. How did that transformation go and what was the reason for it?

LJ: Yes, last year was my first season. My role was mainly passing and back row. But I think for the past season in Poland, I focused on my attack and getting stronger with my arms. So, I think with that improvement added to the passing and everything, I think that helped me get into the full rotation this summer.

Was it a goal of yours? Was it something the coach asked you to do? How did it come about?

LJ: Well, he expected me to improve, of course, but for me, it's always a goal to get better for the team and for myself too. So, every year I set myself goals to improve, and to see that much improvement is really nice.

And you've improved so much that you're one of the leading scorers now…

LJ: Yes! (laughs) It's good! I had a lot of help, so it's great to see all the improvements.

So, what is the next thing you would like to improve?

LJ: I want to be stable for the team – both next season in Poland and also here for the national team – to be a stable and reliable player. I want to be there for my team, mentally and physically.

This is your first EuroVolley. How are you feeling here? How exciting is this experience for you?

LJ: Yes, it's really exciting! I love to travel, so it's really nice to see all the different countries. So, to visit a new country and see all these great players that I used to watch on TV all the time, and even play against them - that's really crazy! So, I really like it. Just to be here with the Dutch flag on my chest is something to be proud of. I think it's nice to represent your country.

And how do you like Azerbaijan so far?

LJ: It's good! We actually saw a really nice library! (laughs) They have really cute small places, and the coffee is great! So, it's nice.