Kolbotn, Norway – Dutch defender Diana Hilhorst has completed a move from Fortuna Sittard to Kolbotn IL, joining the Norwegian Toppserien for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Hilhorst, 22, was a reliable presence in the back line for Fortuna Sittard in the Azerion Women’s Eredivisie. She made headlines earlier this season with a match-winning goal against PEC Zwolle, later admitting she “just had a feeling” the chance would come when she pushed forward from her defensive role.

Her contributions have extended beyond match days. In December 2024, she returned to her hometown club FC Breukelen to run a training session for the under-12 girls’ teams, sharing both her technical expertise and her journey in professional football.

Before turning professional in the Netherlands, Hilhorst developed her game in the United States college system. She began at Georgia Southern University, where she started 12 matches in her freshman season and was named to the Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll. She later transferred to the University of the Incarnate Word in Texas, recording 16 appearances, nine starts, one goal and one assist in her junior year.

Kolbotn IL, one of Norway’s most storied women’s clubs, has won three league titles (2002, 2005, 2006) and lifted the Norwegian Cup in 2007. After relegation in 2022, the team secured promotion back to the Toppserien in 2024 and finished eighth last season. For the upcoming campaign, they will play home matches at Oslo’s Grorud Match Kunstgress stadium, which holds 1,700 spectators.

Hilhorst’s signing is part of Kolbotn’s ongoing push to reestablish itself among Norway’s elite. The club hopes her Eredivisie experience, coupled with her U.S. college background, will add both stability and leadership to their squad.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started here” Hilhorst said.