Meet Marc Recasens
Marc Recasens isn’t just your average hockey player. Born in Matadepera, Spain, Marc grew up in a family where hockey wasn’t just a sport—it was a way of life. From fulfilling his childhood dream of competing in the Olympic Games to preparing for life beyond the field, Marc’s journey is a story of passion, determination, and constant growth. We sat down with Marc to talk about his career, his dual ambitions, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Marc, can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where did you grow up, and what shaped you into the athlete you are today?
“I grew up in Matadepera, a town where hockey runs deep in the culture, and my parents were both hockey players, so I was pretty much destined to pick up the stick. In fact, it’s a tradition here to give a newborn from a hockey family a tiny stick—I guess you could say I was born for this sport.
As a kid, I had big dreams, just like many others. My ultimate goal was to compete in the Olympic Games. That dream became a reality, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of. But I’m a non-conformist by nature. I always need a new challenge to keep me going. Right now, I want to become a key figure in my national team, win a title, and, on a larger scale, help grow the sport in Spain. I want to inspire young players and guide them with the experiences I’ve gained.”
How did you first fall in love with hockey? Was there a defining moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?
“My love for hockey started very young, thanks to my parents. Hockey was just a part of life in our household—it felt natural. I don’t think there was a single defining moment; it was more about the way the sport made me feel. I loved the sense of teamwork, the competition, and the challenge of constantly improving. Those things still drive me today.”
What does being a professional athlete mean to you? How do you manage the mental and physical challenges that come with it?
“For me, being a professional athlete means giving 100% of yourself every single day. It’s about discipline and showing up even when you don’t feel like it. You make sacrifices now for something greater in the future.
Balancing the mental and physical challenges can be tough, but I’ve learned how to handle it. Setting clear goals and routines helps me stay focused, and I always try to reconnect with why I started playing in the first place. Those moments of reflection remind me how much I love the sport, even when things get tough.”
You’re currently playing for HC Rotterdam in the Netherlands. How has that experience been for you, and how does it compare to playing hockey in Spain?
“Living in the Netherlands and playing for HC Rotterdam has been incredible. Hockey here is such a big deal—it’s deeply rooted in the culture, and the infrastructure is amazing. The level of competition pushes you to grow as a player, and I’ve learned so much being in this environment.
In Spain, hockey is smaller and less professionalized, but it has a lot of heart and passion. That’s where my journey began, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Both experiences have shaped me in different ways, and I’m grateful for them.”
Looking back on your career, what moments are you most proud of?
“There are two moments that really stand out. First, competing in the Olympic Games. That was my childhood dream, and standing on that stage representing my country was indescribable.
The second was winning my first international title with the Spanish national team. That moment wasn’t just about lifting the trophy—it was about everything that went into it: the sacrifices, the teamwork, the journey. It’s moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with hockey.”
''They understand the challenges of balancing sports with professional ambitions and have given me the tools and support I need to move forward.''
You’ve also chosen to focus on a dual career. Why was that important to you, and how has TopsportNetwerk helped you with this?
“I’ve always known that hockey wouldn’t last forever. When I started studying finance, I realized I needed to figure out what I was passionate about outside of the sport. That’s when I began exploring the idea of a dual career.
TopsportNetwerk has been a huge help in this journey. They understand the challenges of balancing sports with professional ambitions and have given me the tools and support I need to move forward. Their approach is super flexible and personalized, which makes it easier to navigate what’s next without losing focus on hockey.”
What lessons from hockey do you take into your professional life?
“Discipline, for sure. In hockey, you learn to show up and give your best every single day, even when it’s tough. Teamwork is another big one—working with people from different backgrounds toward a common goal is a skill that applies everywhere. And handling pressure. In both sports and life, you face high-stakes situations where staying calm and making the right decisions is key.”
What drives you, both on and off the field? Where do you see yourself in five years?
“On the field, I want to keep competing for medals, meeting amazing people, and enjoying everything this sport has to offer. Off the field, I dream of building a family, traveling, and starting a project that inspires me. Indonesia is at the top of my travel list—I’d love to immerse myself in new cultures.
In five years, I hope to see progress in all these areas. I want to grow as a player, a professional, and a person.”
''A dual career isn’t about losing focus on your sport; it’s about building a foundation for the future.''
What advice would you give to other athletes thinking about a dual career?
“Start early. It’s easy to focus only on your sport, but having something else to work toward gives you balance and perspective. Even small steps, like exploring a new skill or field, can make a big difference over time. A dual career isn’t about losing focus on your sport; it’s about building a foundation for the future. Plus, it can even make you a better athlete because you feel more well-rounded and secure.”
What do you enjoy doing outside of hockey, and what keeps you inspired?
“When I’m not on the pitch, you’ll probably find me on the tennis court, cycling, or planning my next travel adventure. I’ve got a long list of places I want to visit, like the Maldives and Indonesia. I also dream of swimming with sharks and blue whales—I love the ocean and the sense of adventure it brings.
As for inspiration, I love having a guiding motto. Last year, it was: ‘Always remember to ask for exactly what you want. Be bold, live in gratitude, and trust that everything you want is coming to you.’ For this year, I’m focusing on action: ‘Get things done. Think less, do more.’ It’s all about moving forward, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”
Marc Recasens embodies passion and determination, both on and off the field. Whether he’s chasing medals, building a career beyond hockey, or planning his next big adventure, one thing is clear: Marc is always striving for more.
