How Vanessa Tonoli brings Swiss tradition and Dutch ambition together
Curling is all about technique, strategy, and teamwork—qualities that Vanessa Tonoli, a key player in the TeamNL curling team, applies both on the ice and in her Commercial Economics studies. With roots in Switzerland and a life built in the Netherlands, Vanessa is dedicated to her athletic and personal development. As the proud main sponsor of the Dutch Curling Association, Vebego believes in the potential of people and teams. Whether in curling or our daily work, progress starts with dedication and attention to detail.
From Switzerland to the Netherlands
“My love for curling began when I was nine years old,” Vanessa shares. “My father played curling and often took me to the ice rink. One day, I decided to give it a try myself, and from that moment, I was hooked.” Her Swiss childhood revolved around training and tournaments, with the highlight being her victory at the Swiss Championship in 2018. “That championship gave me the opportunity to prepare for the Junior World Championships. It was an experience that made me realize how seriously I wanted to pursue this sport.”
Five years ago, Vanessa moved to the Netherlands, a change that also impacted her curling career. “My boyfriend is part of the men’s TeamNL curling team. I got the chance to train with the top and talent selection teams. Later, it became clear that I could compete for TeamNL, which allowed me to join both the mixed doubles team and the women’s team.”
Balancing elite sports and studies
In addition to her career as a top athlete, Vanessa is building a future beyond the ice. “I’m studying Commercial Economics at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. It’s quite a challenge to combine my studies with elite sports, but thanks to my elite athlete status, I have some extra flexibility.” This flexibility allows her to catch up on lectures and exams, but the busy schedule requires careful planning and discipline. “It takes a lot of organization, but that makes it all the more rewarding when everything comes together.”
Vanessa sees many parallels between curling and her studies. “In curling, I’ve learned how important teamwork and effective communication are. These skills help me during group projects in my studies, where collaboration is just as crucial. I’ve noticed that my experience in the sport has made me better at working with fellow students.”
Dreaming of Olympic ice
With both the mixed doubles team and the women’s team, Vanessa is chasing a big dream: the Olympic Games. “In the mixed doubles team, we have a realistic chance of qualifying through the Olympic Qualification Tournament in 2025.” For the women’s team, the focus is on improving performance and building a strong foundation for the future.
The difference between curling in Switzerland and the Netherlands is significant. “In Switzerland, there are more ice rinks and youth programs, which provide the sport with a natural development pathway. In the Netherlands, the leap from recreational to elite sports is much bigger. I hope we can improve that in the future.”
The future of curling in the Netherlands
Vanessa is eager to contribute to the growth of curling in the Netherlands. “I’ve already gained experience as a support coach for the junior team. While my current focus is on my studies and elite sports, I wouldn’t rule out contributing to the sport’s growth in the future. It would be great if curling became more accessible, so more people can discover it.”
For now, Vanessa remains focused on her own ambitions, both on and off the ice. “Combining studies and elite sports isn’t always easy, but my passion for curling motivates me to keep going. It’s special to work towards a big goal as a team. That feeling of achieving something together is what makes curling so unique.”