In this debut episode of Korf Connections: Audio Edition, we sit down with two American korfball players whose journeys took them overseas in pursuit of the sport. Scott Cutten, an active player in 1977 and former US head coach, shares his experience of leaving behind basketball in California to immerse himself in the Dutch korfball scene. Decades later, Lariel Mateo unknowingly followed a similar path – also transitioning from basketball in California, but this time moving to Portugal in 2023 to pursue korfball.
From personal stories of cultural exchange to insights on the accessibility of korfball as a sport where players of all levels can find opportunities, this episode is a fascinating look at the growth of korfball in the US and beyond.
We explore the pivotal moments that led them abroad, the cultural and language barriers they encountered, and the evolution of korfball club life across different eras and countries. A major discussion point is the technical contrast between basketball and korfball – two sports that may seem alike but play by very different rules.
Guests: Lariel Mateo & Scott Cutten
Moderator & Host: Carl Yerger
Producer: Judith Dea
Music by Mikhail Smusev from Pixabay
