After five years as a member of the She-Wolves, Kathrin ‘Kathy’ Hendrich will leave VfL Wolfsburg this summer when her contract expires at the end of June. The past few days and weeks in Wolfsburg have been particularly emotional for her.
“We all kept crying“
The final matchday of the season at home to Bayer 04 Leverkusen was an extra special one for Hendrich, as she soaked up the last trip to the stadium, the last walk together as a team and the last few minutes on the pitch for VfL.
“Considering everything we’ve done together, it was in the back of my mind that it was really the last time for everything,” she said. “We got very emotional and we all kept crying.” Sentiment had to be put to one side come kick-off, however. “That wasn’t easy but I think we managed to do it pretty well.”
Even though she will no longer be playing in Green-and-White next season, Hendrich is “delighted that VfL will be back in Europe again next term”.
Unforgettable cup victories
Asked what memories will stay with her most from her time at VfL, the 33-year-old replied: “Definitely all of the titles and especially the cup finals.”
Hendrich arrived in Wolfsburg from Bayern Munich in summer 2020, and went on to enjoy DFB Cup success in her debut season. “That was during COVID, so in terms of the atmosphere it wasn’t comparable with the other titles,” she explained. “But it was very special for me nevertheless because it was my first trophy.”
After just one season in Wolfsburg, the defender already opted to extend her contract, which was initially valid for two years, until 2024. That was followed by three more cup triumphs: “My friends and family were at the stadium on all three occasions when we celebrated on the pitch with the trophy. I’ll never forget that.”
