Just how does she do it? Hillcrest High’s multi-sport star Lola Klijnstra inspires with national and international honours across netball, touch rugby, football and softball, balancing leadership, faith and unstoppable determination.
At just 18 and recently matriculated, Lola has already established herself as one of South Africa’s most promising young sportswomen. Her journey began in Kloof, where she attended primary school, and she credits her family as her biggest support pillar.
“All of my success can be attributed to God and the love of my family and special friends in my life,” she says. Even in rare moments of downtime, she enjoys simple pleasures, such as sharing coffee with her mom, Karen, while watching Strictly Come Dancing.
Football was Lola’s first love, offering freedom, joy and the sheer exhilaration of playing a game she adored from a young age. Touch rugby, however, became a defining sport for her. “To walk onto the field in the green and gold is such an indescribable feeling, knowing that what you are about to do is greater than yourself – you are representing your whole country,” Lola explains.
Her achievements in touch rugby are remarkable. She earned Honours Summa Cum Laude for SA Women’s Touch Rugby, represented South Africa at the Youth Atlantic Touch Cup in Ireland as vice-captain of the U20 team in 2025, following her U18 selection in 2023, and won gold with the KZN Mixed Open team at the Senior National Interprovincial Touch Rugby Tournament. Across netball, football and softball, she has consistently represented KZN and her school, receiving accolades including Most Promising Junior Sportswoman and, most recently, Best Senior All-round Sportswoman.
Balancing multiple sports and academic demands comes naturally to Lola, fuelled by her passion. She matriculated with academic honours, a reflection of the discipline and focus she brings to every aspect of her life. “I don’t see it as a chore or anything I dread doing, which is why balancing all the trainings and sports codes is possible,” she says.
Her achievements extend far beyond the playing field. In 2024, Lola served as Vice-President of the Representative Council of Learners and was a member of the School Leadership Team, where she also held the role of Head of Grade 8 – a position she took seriously in guiding younger pupils and leaving a meaningful legacy. At her final senior prizegiving, she was awarded trophies for Pursuit of Excellence, Good Fellowship, History and Best Ambassador of the School.
“My style of leadership is faith-driven, acting from a sense of grace, gentle in my approach and strong in my resolve,” she explains. Leadership, she says, has taught her respect, sportsmanship and the importance of fostering fellowship in every sphere of life.
Prayer and faith are central to Lola’s preparation and mental resilience. “A big thing for me before every game or tournament that eases nerves and gets me focused is to say a prayer, thanking God for the opportunity and seeking protection,” she says. One of her most challenging moments came during her first international selection for the SA U18 team in Nottingham, while her grandmother was gravely ill. “It was bittersweet to remember her and to do it for her. I played number five, her lucky number, and it is now my preferred number.”
Lola also shares how she manages self-doubt: “I often doubt myself, as I am sure many people do, but I have found that redirecting my focus to gratitude rather than doubt eliminates the feeling.”
Now settling into her studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, Lola has embraced a dual bursary for netball and contact rugby. Long-term, her dream is to represent South Africa in the Rugby World Cup while continuing to explore her multi-sport potential. “Ultimately, I just want to live a happy, healthy life and share my successes with my loved ones and those in need,” she says.
