Nadia Zijlstra is an ice hockey goalie (Leeuwarden, October 24, 1989). Grew up in Leeuwarden and started playing ice hockey with Trias Leeuwarden at the age of 4 (1993). In 1995 the transfer was made to Flyers Heerenveen. Here Nadia went through the entire youth training and then played for a long period in the first division of the Flyers. At the age of twelve, Nadia trained with the National Ladies Selection for the first time. At the age of 17 she won her first World Cup. In 2013 Nadia returned to her old club Leeuwarden to play at the second division level. She also took a break from the National selection. Besides ice hockey the focus was mainly on the study Social Work. After a few years Leeuwarden returned to the first division and so did Nadia. In 2018 Nadia joined the National selection again.

A quote who you are or what you stand for
From day one, Nadia has enjoyed ice hockey and that has never left. The joy that our hero has in the sport is what gives her the drive and motivation to perform. Fun, in her eyes, is the most important thing in order to perform well.

Career highlights 
The highlights in Nadia's career are winning gold at the World Championships in 2018 and 2019.

Pre-competition habit 
Before a competition, Nadia always has a few things she sticks to in her routine. These include having a set playlist that she listens to and making sure that she always has a moment to visualize about the upcoming competition. In addition, Nadia throws some balls against the wall to activate her reflexes but also to get into focus. Besides her own preparation, she also enjoys playing a game of soccer with the team before the game. As soon as Nadia steps on the ice it is 100% focus.

Dream Career 
Nadia's dream is to be at the Olympic Games in 2022 with the National women's team and to win a medal at the World Championships in April 2022.

Hobbies
Besides ice hockey, Nadia enjoys traveling. This does not have to be a world trip, but a weekend away is also part of it.

Guilty pleasure
Nadia's guilty pleasure is chocolate, oh and pancakes. Although Nadia tries not to give in to chocolate too often.

Career
| 2010 U20 Champion Netherlands Belgium
| 2011 World Championship gold (level 2A)
| 2013 World Championship silver (level 1B)
| 2018 World Cup gold (level 2A) World Cup lowest average goals against in the tournament (0.33)
| 2019 World Cup gold (level 1B) World Cup lowest average goals against in the tournament (0.75)