Young talent from Eldense, Zaira Benitez Gomez, at 20 years old, handles the center position and is approaching a new milestone with Elche Handball Club, joining the Visitelche.com project for the upcoming season.
Zaira Benitez Gomez (born 25/04/2002) is broadening her competitive horizon to keep building experience after moving from Eldense. This international player, active in the Guerreras Júnior category, will enter the franciverde squad to contribute surprising offensive options under coach Joaquin Rocamora, strengthening the team’s game plan as she steps into senior competition.
At only 20, the new Elche member embodies the club’s model of rapid development and high potential. Her game intelligence stands out, with keen situational awareness on the court. Though young, Zaira Benitez already carries a wealth of experience from youth levels with the Valencia Community teams and from the Spanish national federation’s youth selections, which has shaped her as a versatile center back capable of orchestrating plays and creating opportunities for teammates.
The arrival of the Franjiverdes’ new center defender marks her first season in the top tier of Spanish women’s handball. Her progression began with Elda Prestige, where she delivered a standout season for Eldense in Group C, contributing to the team’s promotion narrative as they moved up to the Honor Silver Division and prepared for the Liga Guerreras-Iberdrola expansion. Her tally of 104 goals underscored her role as a primary engine and a strategic brain for the squad.
Starting next season, Zaira Benitez will share the court with fellow young talents Paula Bernabé and More, both part of the club’s recent wave of signings and also alumni of the junior Spanish squads. Under the guidance of Joaquín Rocamora, the Elche group is shaping into a balanced unit with strong defensive cohesion and capable offensive transitions, aligning with the club’s philosophy of growth and collective intelligence on both ends of the floor.
The new Elche Handball Club signing from Visitelche.com shared her enthusiasm: “I am eager to face this new challenge, push my limits, and keep learning. I’m excited to be part of this team and to contribute to its progression.”
Elche’s roster strategy continues to lean on a youthful core with high potential. The club aims to maximize development from within, even when budget constraints exist, prioritizing players poised for rapid progression and long-term impact over large, short-term signings. This approach signals a clear commitment to building a competitive program through investment in young talent and strong coaching—an identity the club expects to carry into the new season and beyond.