After nine seasons at Ikast Håndbold, Stine Skogrand has decided to retire at the end of the season. A foot injury could also prevent her from playing one final major tournament for Norway.
Stine Skogrand will bring her playing career to an end when her contract with Ikast expires next summer. The Norwegian international has played in Denmark since 2016, spending the last nine seasons at Ikast.
“I want to stop while I’m still good and can make that decision myself,” Skogrand told TV 2 Sport.
Family was another major factor behind the decision, with the 33-year-old eager to spend more time with her children. She also expressed her gratitude towards Ikast, particularly for the club’s continued support during two pregnancies, when she was unable to complete the seasons but was offered new contracts afterwards.
Before retirement, Skogrand hopes to feature in one final championship with Norway. However, a fracture in her right foot means she is currently not part of the squad for the upcoming European Championship. She is racing against time to recover. If she fails, she may already have played her final major tournament for Norway. Skogrand has made 190 international appearances and won ten medals with the national team.
The possibility of extending her career to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles has not tempted her.
“When my contract expires, I’m satisfied. That’s enough, and then you can make room for others,” she said.