When Spanish umpire Sandra Adell stepped onto the pitch for her debut at the EuroHockey Championships last week, it marked a deeply personal milestone.
Just four months earlier, she had welcomed her daughter, Clara, into the world. To be officiating at Europe’s biggest stage in August was the result of months of careful preparation, immense support and sheer determination.
But for Sandra, this was never about proving that women should—or even could—return to elite sport so quickly after giving birth. Instead, it was about following her own path, on her own terms in pursuit of one of her major sporting ambitions.
** Sandra Adell pictured above with husband Marc Salle and baby Clara at the SparkassenPark. Picture: Ewoud Pahud de Mortanges/World Sport Pics
“This is my story,” she says. “Everyone is different, and every journey into motherhood and sport is unique. I don’t believe there is a ‘best way.’
“For me, having the Euros in August gave me motivation. I worked towards it as a challenge, but I know for others the timeline might be longer—and that is just as valid.”
A dream appointment, a life-changing moment
Sandra’s journey to the Championships began in November, when she received news of her appointment.
“It was my first EuroHockey Championship appointment, so I was delighted,” she recalls. It came just a couple of weeks after she and Marc Salles found out about the pregnancy.
With a due date in April, it created the instant dilemma about what was possible and whether it was feasible to pursue what had been a long-standing dream since taking up the whistle.
Indeed, her path into umpiring was influenced by her father, Xavi, who officiated at the Olympics in Athens and Beijing.
** Sandra during France versus England. Picture: Ewoud Pahud de Mortanges/World Sport Pics
“We followed him around the world as a family,” she recalls. “I saw his passion, and eventually I chose umpiring for myself. I still play a bit, but umpiring became my way to stay in the game I love.”
That deep family connection added to the desire to reach the top level. So she spoke at length with Marc – well versed in the sacrifices and adaptations required to perform at the top after 15 years as Spanish international and three Olympics – about what might be possible.
That set in motion a unique physical and preparational plan that allowed her to accept the appointment with cautious optimism, telling herself she would take things step by step.
It did mean stepping off the field after the first half of the Spanish league season but she remained active in other aspects of hockey, coaching young players and analysing Pro League fixtures in addition to monitored fitness work.
“I never wanted to disconnect completely,” she explains. “Hockey is part of my life, and staying involved kept me motivated.”
Crucially, there were few complications with the pregnancy and her daughter Clara arrived in April. The birth went smoothly, and Sandra found herself able to begin a gentle, progressive recovery with the help of a physiotherapist.
Walking, structured exercises, and eventually a return to running gave her the confidence that returning to high-level umpiring could be possible.
Building back, one step at a time
The road to the EuroHockey Championships was not simple. Sandra knew she had just three months to regain fitness and pass the stringent physical tests required of international umpires.
Starting back, she was able to return to blow the whistle at the Spanish Under-18 national competition.
Vitally, she was also able to join Spanish national team training sessions where she not only ran alongside elite athletes, umpire their in-house games but also contributed by helping players practise video referrals.
“It was fantastic for me,” she says, thankful to Max Caldas for giving her the opportunity. “Not only did it help my fitness, but it reminded me how much I love being on the pitch in a top-level environment.”
By July, Sandra had passed her official fitness exam, ticking the final box to make sure she could take up the championship appointment.
A family effort
Behind Sandra’s achievement lies a strong network of support. Her parents, her sister, and above all her husband were vital in making the return possible.
“My husband is my biggest fan,” Sandra says. “He played at European level himself, so he understands the passion. He knew how much this appointment meant to me, and he said he would be there with Clara wherever I went. That support gave me the freedom to focus when I was on the pitch, knowing she was in the best possible hands.”
Her sister Claudia played a special role too, running quite literally by her side during training. “She was there to encourage me, telling me I could do it,” Sandra smiles. “That made such a difference.”
The image of baby Clara in the stands, cared for by her father or grandparents, became a symbol of the collective effort behind Sandra’s return. “This is not something I could have done alone,” she admits.
Support from hockey authorities
Sandra is also quick to emphasise the role played by both the Spanish Hockey Federation and EuroHockey in supporting her comeback.
“They listened to me,” she says. “From the beginning, they asked how I felt, if I was ready, if I needed more time. They gave me space and trusted me. That trust was so important—because it would have been easier for them to give the appointment to the next name on the list. Instead, they believed in me.”
That vote of confidence meant Sandra arrived at her first EuroHockey Championships feeling empowered rather than pressured.
** Sharing a joke with fellow umpires Sebastien Michielsen and Ben Goentgen. Picture: Ewoud Pahud de Mortanges/World Sport Pics
Once the tournament began, Sandra found herself relishing every moment. “It was worth everything,” she reflects. “To be on the pitch, enjoying the atmosphere, doing what I love—it reminded me why I worked so hard.”
What gave her peace of mind was knowing her daughter was cared for. “When I’m umpiring, I can focus completely, because I know Clara is safe and loved with my family. That balance is everything.”
Motherhood and sport: her perspective
Sandra is conscious that her story sits within a broader conversation about women in sport and motherhood.
“We do see more men bringing their children to tournaments,” she observes, “but now that is changing for women too. It’s important to show that motherhood and sport can go together.
Still, she is careful not to present her path as a template. “For me, returning quickly worked, but I know many women need more time. That is normal and should be respected.
“Every body and every journey is different. What matters is that women feel supported to make the choice that is right for them.”
She hopes her story can inspire others—not by setting a standard, but by showing possibilities. “My message to other women is: believe in yourself, trust your body, and don’t give up on your dreams. Motherhood changes you, but it can also make you stronger. You may have to find new ways, but your passions are still possible.”
Looking ahead
For now, Sandra is soaking up the joy of her first EuroHockey Championships where she was on pitch for five games and video umpire for two more.
She refuses to talk too much about long-term ambitions such as the Olympics, preferring to focus on the present.
“I want to enjoy every tournament I am part of,” she says. “This one has been very special, and I will always remember it—not just because it was my first Euros, but because it came at such a special time in my life.”
