Handball’s Unlikely Heroes: A Glimpse into America’s Forgotten Olympic Sport

The US women’s handball team has been absent from the Olympics since 1996, its last appearance a distant memory in American sports. As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Games, a new generation of athletes is emerging to revive this high-intensity sport.

Handball’s popularity overseas, particularly in Europe, where teams like Germany, France, Norway, and Denmark dominate the competition, has led many American athletes who’ve made it to the national team to be dual citizens or have European roots. This phenomenon is exemplified by Rylee White, a 27-year-old screenwriter who’d never heard of handball until her roommate mentioned tryouts on TikTok.

The tryouts in January saw over 150 women attend, a five-fold increase from previous turnouts, indicating a latent interest in the sport. However, sustaining this momentum will be crucial. The residency program in Florida, where White and dozens of other athletes are training to represent the US at the Olympics, is a vital step towards rebuilding the team.

As Sarah Gascon, head coach, notes, finding talented players is only half the battle – providing them with resources is equally important. The lack of funding from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee means that USA Handball relies on volunteers and athletes working full-time while training.

Gascon’s observation that multisport athletes tend to excel in handball highlights a deeper truth about American sports culture. We often prioritize specialization, pushing kids into single-sport programs from an early age. However, as Holbrook notes, “You don’t get many chances to do women’s team sports later in life.” Handball offers a refreshing alternative – one that values adaptability and athleticism over narrow expertise.

As the Olympics approach, handball will likely be a Cinderella story for the US. But what does this mean for American sports as a whole? Are we willing to invest in underdog stories like White’s and Holbrook’s, or do we prefer to stick with tried-and-true programs? The fact that USA Handball receives no funding from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee is a stark reminder of our priorities – and it’s not just about handball.

The women’s team is fighting for more than just a spot at the Olympics; they’re also seeking recognition, resources, and respect within American sports. As Devyn Holbrook puts it, “There will never be another chance again that I could go to the Olympics in this capacity.” She’s right – but there’s no reason why handball can’t become an Olympic staple in America. It just requires us to take a closer look at our own biases and priorities.

As the 2028 Olympics draw near, we’ll be watching with interest as these unlikely heroes fight for their place on the world stage. But perhaps more importantly, we should be asking ourselves: what’s next for handball in America? Will we continue to ignore this high-intensity sport, or will we give it the support it deserves?