Laura Steinbach (born 20 July 1985) is a German former professional handball player who represented the Germany women's national handball team. Primarily playing in the left back position, she competed internationally and at the club level throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.
Early life and education
Steinbach was born in Frankfurt am Main, West Germany. Details regarding her early education and youth handball development are limited in publicly available sources.
Club career
Steinbach began her senior club career with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where she played from 2002 to 2009. She subsequently joined the Austrian club Hypo Niederösterreich for the 2009–2010 season, contributing to the team’s participation in the Women’s Handball Champions League. In 2010, she returned to Germany to play for HSG Kleinostheim, remaining there until her retirement from professional play in 2014.
International career
Steinbach earned 72 caps for the Germany women's national handball team and scored 151 goals. She was part of the squad that competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where Germany finished in 11th place. Additionally, she participated in multiple European Championships and World Championships during her tenure with the national team.
Playing style and recognition
Known for her strong shooting ability from the backcourt and defensive versatility, Steinbach was regarded as a reliable contributor in both offensive and defensive phases. While she did not receive major individual awards at the international level, she was frequently cited in German handball media for her consistent performances.
Post‑retirement
Following her retirement from active competition, Steinbach has been involved in coaching youth handball programs in the Frankfurt region. She has also served as a commentator for handball broadcasts on German television networks.
Personal life
Steinbach is married to Austrian handball player Michael Helbling; the couple has occasionally been referenced in media covering handball families.
References
- International Handball Federation (IHF) player statistics.
- German Handball Federation (DHB) archives.
- Olympic records, Beijing 2008.
This entry reflects information verified by reputable sports databases and official federation records.