It’s all change following Kira’s retirement as Ludwig/Kozuch team up

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Maggie (right) and Laura played together in Croatia in 2017

Following the shock news that Kira Walkenhorst has put down the Mikasa, reigning Olympic champ Laura Ludwig has wasted no time in finding a new partner.

The defender has teamed up with former indoor star and life-long friend Maggie Kozuch, with whom she partnered once in a Major Series tournament in Poreč, Croatia in 2017.

“I think working with this experienced team is a great option for me,” said 32-year-old Kozuch, who switched to beach in 2017 to partner Karla Borger. “It’s full throttle in the direction of the 2019 World Cup and the Olympic Games in 2020. We have already had our first joint training, it clicked and I have a very good feeling. I have the impression that something great can arise here.”

Laura of her new partner added: “Maggie has everything you need, she's incredibly athletic, she has an insane ball control, she's a real fighter, she's ready to invest a lot and she wants to go full throttle with our team, and we're all looking forward to our project.”

Both Laura and Maggie have been friends for many years

The team’s coach Jürgen Wagner also sees great potential in the newly-formed duo.

“Maggie is an outstanding player - the complete getting used to the sand is not yet finished with her,” said the 2017 Coach of the Year. “For the team there is still a lot of work but even more potential with one of the greatest athletes I know. I'm looking forward to the new project with Laura and Maggie.

“She is incredibly professional, but at the same time a very pleasant person. I was impressed by how she adopted our strategy and philosophy right from the beginning.”

Good luck girls, and we hope to see you on the sand at the World Championships in Hamburg!