Elche Handball Club is optimistic about receiving official confirmation that it will compete in Europe next season, based on assurances given by Juan Ávila, the club’s president, to the Efe news agency. The club remains cautious while awaiting formal confirmation, stating, “We haven’t received any official notice yet, but we expect the news to come this week.”
Thus, CBM Elche VisitElche.com is set to participate in European competition for a third consecutive year. Ávila believes the invitation to the club is independent of the potential resignation of fourth-placed Unicaja Banco Gijón from the tournament and acknowledges that maintaining a European presence will be pivotal for Elche’s growth as both an asset and a team. The goal remains to add a third season in Europe. [Attribution: Elche Handball Club]
The Elche leadership understands that the Royal Spanish Handball Federation (RFEMM) has requested an invitation for the club before the deadline, which closes this Wednesday, and thus he believes that there should be no problem securing approval. “I spoke to the federation and they told me not to worry, it should be okay,” said the president, whose squad finished sixth in last season’s Iberdrola Warriors League. [Attribution: Elche Handball Club]
Elche continues to pursue sports and financial planning across Europe. In fact, the organization did not want to leave summer homework unfinished and locked in the roster for next season in June. The team has undergone a major reshuffle with eight new players and eleven returning from the previous campaign. [Attribution: Elche Handball Club]
The most notable addition was right-back Tessa Van Zijl, a player who represents the Dutch national team. Another significant signing is Spanish-Portuguese winger Danilo So Delgado, who left Aula Valladolid. Israeli winger Keren Teplisky, who previously faced Elche’s players in the EHF European Cup qualifier, also joined the project, alongside young Dutch center Pipy Wolf. The other four signings focus on long-term development: María Carrillo from Agustinos de Alicante, Zaira Benítez from Elda Prestigio as a central defender, Raquel Moré from San Vicenç de Cataluñal, and Lisa Oppedal, who was the Spanish junior champion two years ago. Torrevieja [Attribution: Elche Handball Club]
In addition to these eight newcomers, key players from last season form the core. Goalkeepers Nicole Morales and Pamela Rodrigues return, as do wingers Clara Gascó and Celia Guilabert, while Paola Bernabé and Ivet Musons lead the squad. The defensive unit features María Flores, Nuria Andreu, and Elena Martínez, with Katia Zhukova at center. Patricia Méndez remains with the club, reinforcing Rocamora’s plan and continuing as a pillar of the academy that embodies Elche’s values. [Attribution: Elche Handball Club]
Patricia, a representative of the club’s core values, signed on for a fifth season with Elche, continuing her journey from school sports to the first team. Her presence stands as a source of pride and a demonstration of growth for the entire base of the organization. She has been part of the club’s historic evolution from its earliest days under Rocamora’s project and is gradually earning more minutes in the league, especially given the squad’s injuries, with confidence placed in her speed and defensive prowess. [Attribution: Elche Handball Club]
Méndez expresses his happiness to remain with Elche and looks forward to achieving more success alongside teammates and the wider club network next season. He also notes the importance of serving as a role model for the club’s youth base, helping them reach the A team. The squad now stands at 19 players in total, with Elche poised to be the lone community representative in the Guerreras-Iberdrola League and carrying high expectations after recent trophies, including the Queen’s Cup and the Spanish Super Cup. The team proved its quality in European competition last season, advancing to the quarterfinals before being edged by the eventual champions, Rocasa Canaria. [Attribution: Elche Handball Club]