The Caribbean island nation of Curaçao, with a population of roughly 156,000 and area of 171 square miles, made headlines as the smallest nation by both population and size to participate in the FIFA Men’s World Cup. While the Curaçao men’s national team plays on soccer’s biggest stage, Bolles alumna Hassnah Elhage ’06 works to elevate the women’s game in the Netherland Antilles. And her twin brother Kahlil Elhage, M.D. ’06 is focused on improving the mental and physical health of both athletes and general patients through various endeavors.

Hassnah and Kahlil were both members of state championship swim teams and part of the Resident Life program at Bolles. Hassnah went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in law from Leiden University, master’s degree in sports management from the Johan Cruyff Institute and Master of Laws degree from the University of Amsterdam, all in the Netherlands. Kahlil earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Scientific Studies in Costa Rica.

Earlier in 2026, Hassnah was named manager of the women’s national soccer team of neighboring Dutch Caribbean island Aruba. She is tasked with developing the women’s game and elevating the program to achieve success on par with the men’s team. Hassnah’s soccer ties also include serving as a consultant and commentator for Direct Media Curaçao’s coverage of the 2022 Men’s World Cup in Qatar. She is founder of HE Consultancy Services, providing clients with a full spectrum of services ranging from legal counsel to tailored business strategies. 

Kahlil serves as CEO of Curaçao Telemedicine, the first medical center in his country to offer virtual consultations. In addition to general health concerns, Curaçao Telemedicine also provides mental health and sports medicine consultations. Kahlil has a particular interest in helping athletes find success through these efforts. He also serves as a doctor with Sentro Mediko Santa Rosa, a community health clinic in Curaçao founded by his parents Dr. Wallid and Graciela Elhage.

While working towards their success, Hassnah and Kahlil found time in recent years to return to Bolles, visiting the San Jose Campus in 2022 as they toured the upgraded residence halls and then newly opened Tarver Pool.