Raphael Kramer, head coach of LC Brühl Handball, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Swiss women’s national team, effective with the upcoming EM-Qualifikation in March 2026. The appointment was announced by the Swiss Handball Federation on February 24, 2026.
Kramer, who led LC Brühl to a historic “triple win,” will continue to serve as head coach of the St. Gallen-based club while taking on the additional responsibilities with the national team. Officials have emphasized that the dual role is intended to be complementary, avoiding conflicts between club and national team commitments.
The appointment follows the planned departure of Vroni Keller, who served as assistant coach for the women’s national team for thirteen years. Keller will transition to a reduced role, providing support to the team in the background after the current season concludes. National coach Knut Ove Joa lauded Keller as “one of the most important personalities in Swiss women’s handball,” expressing gratitude for her long-term commitment.
Kramer’s selection marks a new chapter for the national team as it prepares for the European Championship qualification rounds. The Swiss Handball Federation anticipates a seamless transition, leveraging Kramer’s recent success with LC Brühl to bolster the national program. The federation stated Kramer will assume the full responsibilities of assistant coach following Keller’s departure.
LC Brühl Handball has also recently extended the contract of Clairebel Coker through 2027, signaling continued stability within the club as Kramer takes on his new national role. The club’s announcement of Kramer’s appointment to the national team came just a day after confirming Coker’s contract extension.
