WPH Patreon Press (Originally posted on patreon.com/wphlive as a perk for WPH Patreon supporters only. Those supporters have released this exclusive interview to the public)
WPH Patreon was thrilled to present Anna Christoff: The Intensity and Drive To Be The Best, featuring one of the greatest women’s handball players to ever wear gloves. Christoff won more than 50 national championships and multiple world championships, making her one of the game’s most decorated champions and the inspiration for the next generation of women’s superstars.
Anna Christoff WPH Rapid Fire Challenge HERE
Anna Christoff Crunching the Numbers HERE
Anna Christoff Classic Match Revisited HERE
In Anna Christoff: The Intensity and Drive To Be The Best, Anna discusses her handball journey, starting with the first time she played handball as a 14-year-old, winning her first junior national championship just 10 months after hitting a handball for the first time, what motivated her to start playing, her coach and greatest influences, her cross-training routines, winning her first pro national singles title, her most memorable match, who she admired, her breakthrough win, her most important win, her storied rivalry with her good friend Lisa Fraser Gilmore, her most difficult matchups, what impresses her about today’s WR48 stars, play Word Association, and much more.
Anna Christoff: The Intensity and Drive To Be The Best
Anna Christoff was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she still lives today. Christoff started playing handball at the age of 14, while also playing varsity softball and volleyball in high school. Anna’s first tournament was the Minnesota State Championships, where she would be inducted into the MN State Handball Hall of Fame several decades later. 10 months after hitting a ball for the first time in 1982, Anna won the USHA Junior Nationals. Christoff is part of the 11-Club Trio, alongside Naty Alvarado, Sr. and Paul Brady with 11 USHA national four wall singles titles. In addition to her 11 USHA national singles championships, Anna won six USHA 3-Wall national singles titles and a combined 13 USHA 4-Wall and 3-Wall national doubles championships. Anna also won multiple world titles, making this North Star State legend one of handball’s all-time greats.
Like virtually every great champion, Anna loved to practice by herself. Anna spent hundreds of hours in the court by herself at the Midway YMCA, where her mom worked. The Midway YMCA served as the center of MN handball during Anna’s teenage years. “I’m one of the rare breeds that loved to practice, both with someone and especially alone. I could easily spend an hour or more per day hitting one or two specific shots. I was at the courts most days. I was fortunate to be able to either go to work with my mom or ride my bike to the Y whenever I wanted.”
Who was your coach and greatest influence? What were the most important lessons you learned?
In my teens and early twenties, Tim Labey and Jaime Paredes. They both had great strokes, fundamentals and footwork, though they had different strengths. They spent countless hours in the court with me helping me develop these same skills. Later in my career, Lea Ann Martin! She supported me on and off the court, offering many training suggestions. She also helped me grow both as a player and a person, and helped me stay grounded.
What did you do to prepare for tournaments?
In my prime cross training was my top priority. I would do anything and everything to improve my tournament play. Sprints, jumping rope, footwork drills on the court, road biking, running 3-5 miles max, high rep lifting, and practice, practice, practice. My training would change throughout the year depending on how many events I was playing in. As I neared 40 I did less running and sprinting, and incorporated yoga.
“She’s always training,” stated Anna’s then 14-year old daughter Alekzandra to sideline reporter to sideline reporter Kara Mack during her mom’s 2007 Simple Green U.S. Open victory against Jenny Schmitt. “She’s likes to get inside her own head, she doesn’t like to talk to people and get distracted (when she’s training). She doesn’t like to talk about handball a lot at home but she’s always at the club practicing and lifting weights, especially before a tournament.”
Were you able to play competently fairly quickly or did it take some time to start to be able to hit the ball and rally?
I’d say, yes, I could hit the ball pretty well right away. I’d already played softball and volleyball for a couple years, both sports take a lot of eye hand coordination and require quick reaction time which helped.
Could you discuss winning your first USHA national 4-Wall title?
I won my first Open 4-wall titles in 1989 at 21 years old at the Charlie Club in Chicago. That year was a unique situation with Women’s Open events using both balls, re: Hard Ball and Soft Ball singles and doubles. We were allowed to enter three events. I was one of the only women to play in three divisions, both singles events and hard ball doubles with Lea Ann Tyson (Martin). The more handball the better, right? A lot of women played in tournaments back then with both singles events having a full round of 16. I played many back-to-back matches, with all three finals events being played without rest. I remember Lea Ann and I having finished playing our soft ball finals match and being told Rosemary and Nancy were on the court ready to start the doubles finals asap. I played 11 matches in 72 hours.
The articles say my tenacious power pressured my opponents into giving me fly- kill opportunities and that I controlled the front court. Hey, it was 31 years ago, I don’t remember too many details. Lol!!!
1989 USHA Nationals Women’s Open Singles
Hard Ball Final: Christoff def Nancy Kalil 21-19, 21-11
Soft Ball Final: Christoff def Lea Ann Martin 21-9, 21-14.
Can you describe the feeling you had when you won?
Tired. Lol Seriously though, it was an incredibly special moment in my life. Back in the 80s there was only one major women’s 4-wall event, that being the USHA nationals. I basically trained all year for this one event. The tournament being held so close to home, a lot of my family and players that helped me train were able to be there to share these two victories with me, my parents, daughter, nieces, siblings, etc
Can you discuss your most memorable match?
I’d have to say the 1994 World Championship finals in Dublin, Ireland against Lisa. It was a typical Anna/Lisa match going down to the wire, with Lisa winning in the tiebreaker. What really stood out though was the fact that there were over 300 people in the stands watching, with more in an overflow viewing area. I was awestruck to say the least. The way the crowd cheered and supported us both was incredible. The Irish treated us with appreciation and respect throughout the whole event. Their enthusiasm for the sport astounded me.
Who were the players you admired when you first started playing?
On the women’s side Allison Roberts and Lea Ann Martin. They both had such beautiful strokes, great fundamentals and so athletic. For the men, it was Naty Sr, Jaime Paredes, Vern Roberts. They all had such amazing mechanics. I loved watching them play, they all moved so effortlessly around the court.
What victory do you consider to be your breakthrough win?
The 1987 USHA 4-nationals was really a breakthrough tournament for me. In the quarterfinals I had my first win over a top 4 player beating Nancy Kalil in two games, lost to Rosemary in the semis in a close tiebreaker and won the doubles.
What was your most satisfying/important win?
All my doubles wins. There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than winning a championship with someone else. So thank you Beth Rowley, Lea Ann Martin, Lupita Alvarado Bike, Jean Kasamoto Kastner, Courtney Peixoto Melo for playing with me.
What was your most disappointing loss?
Every loss, or at least they probably seemed so at the time. Lol
Because of your storied, two-decade rivalry, you and Lisa are synonymous with one another. What did that rivalry mean to you during your playing career and what does that rivalry mean to you today?
Lisa played a huge role in my success throughout my career. She was my most worthy adversary, always pushing me to become a better player. I have to thank her for that. Off the court I believe we were big fans of each other, often cheering and supporting each other throughout events. Lisa was not only a great competitor, she became an amazing friend.
What was the strength of your game?
My fitness. Staying fit fueled my confidence. I believed that even if my shots were off, there was a good chance I could out work my opponent.
“Her strengths are that she tries really hard and she really wants it and she’s in shape and she really wants to win,” stated Anna’s daughter Alekzandra in 2007.
You were always known for your fitness, intensity, and power. Were you always intense on the court? How did you hit the ball so hard?
From very early on I was driven and focused on being the top female player. I think I was able to generate power because of good fundamentals and mechanics. I spent countless hours practicing, learning to use my entire body: legs, core, upper body, when hitting each and every shot.
Who were the best women’s players of your era? What made each of those players so difficult to beat?
Lisa: When Lisa was on, there was no beating her, regardless of how well I was playing.
Rosemary: She intimidated me. Lol
Priscilla: Her wingspan. It was incredibly hard to pass her. Priscilla controlled the front court like no other.
Jenny: She knows how to play within herself and plays her strengths.
Tracy: Honestly, what made Tracy so hard to play is that I liked her so much, such a good friend.
Allison Roberts. She is the most overlooked player in women’s handball. She was the most naturally talented female handball player back in the day. Allison has the most beautiful stroke and every shot in the book. I feared playing her more than anyone.
Of those great players, who was the most difficult matchup for you?
Priscilla. It’s not a secret that she frustrated the hell out of me on the court. I couldn’t out work her or overpower her. I credit Priscilla for forcing me to improve upon my shot selection. I learned to become a smarter, more patient player as well.
Who were your regular doubles partners?
In the 30 years I played I had four players that I played multiple tournaments with and won multiple titles. Most noteworthy wins: Beth Rowley- 1991 Worlds, Lupita Alvarado Bike- 1996 4-Wall and 3-Wall Nationals, Lea Ann Martin-2000 Worlds, and Courtney Peixoto- 2009 4-Wall Nationals.
You traveled to so many cities and tournaments during your sensational career. What were your favorite cities and tournaments?
Fountain Valley, Ca Los Cob – can’t get any better. UT Austin Texas, the people of Texas always made me feel welcome. Winnipeg Manitoba, players in Winnipeg are exceptionally accommodating and always showed their appreciation for participating top players. They’re a class act up there north of the border.
How closely do you follow today’s women’s stars, many of who look to you as a role model and idol?
Since retiring 10 years ago I’ve tried to attend all major events held here in the Twin Cities. I’ve watched Aisling, Catriona, Martina and Ciana quite a few times live and of course on the WPH webcasts.
What impresses you about today’s top women’s stars?
Speaking specifically about the Irish Ladies, they all seem well coached. They’re very focused, disciplined and have a professional demeanor.
How has the style of game changed from your era to today’s game with Catriona, Martina, Ciana, Aisling, and Fiona?
I’m not sure if this qualifies as style, these ladies all seem to know the importance of both on court and off court training.
You continue to stay very fit. What advice do you have to stay fit and active?
Find a balance between mind, body, and diet. Be willing to evolve over time. As we age good nutrition becomes one of the most important aspects of being able to train and compete at a high level. Find a balance between working out and proper rest. There’s so much truth to “training smarter not harder”.
*Fan Questions
What would you have done differently if you could go back in time in terms of certain shots, tactics, strategies, and preparations for matches?
I would have been more willing to develop the fist shot, both defensively and offensively, earlier in my career. I underestimated this shot for a long time. Once I learned to hit it with confidence, in my 30s, I believe my level of play went up a notch or two. I was able to compete at a higher level against men, the fist allowed me to handle their power better. It allowed me to become a more patient player, and added another offensive option for me.
Was there a certain match in particular in which you would have changed your preparation and strategy?
If I had it to do over, I would have trained differently for the 2008 4-Wall Nationals. I appeared to be in great shape and leaner than I’d ever been, however I had over-trained. By the time I made it to the finals I was physically exhausted. Not to take anything away from Megan Mehilos, she played amazing and was the better player that day. I just want to point out that more is not always better, you can’t just keep pushing, and pushing. The body and mind need time to recover from strenuous exercise.
Word Association
Catriona Casey: Amazing
Lisa Fraser Gilmore: Great friend
Aisling Reilly: Intense
Tracy Davis: Remarkable athlete
Fiona Shannon: Incredibly fit
Rosemary Bellini: Queen of Handball
Naty Alvarado, Sr.: El Gato- Best Ever!
Thank you to Anna for the incredible Anna Christoff Week and sharing her handball journey with the WPH!
David Fink
WPH Patreon Writer