As a little girl, she started playing volleyball at a club in Wallonia. In first and second grade, she combined the Topsportschool in Leuven with playing for Govok Gooik, and later she went to the Topsportschool in Vilvoorde. Just last February, you could see her at work in Het Sportpaleis, during the final of the Belgian Cup. She won with her team Asterix Avo Beveren. Meet Young Yellow Tiger Romane Neufkens.

How long have you been playing volleyball and where did you start?
I have been playing volleyball since I was 3 years old. I started in Wallonia and then in second secondary school I transferred to Gooik for 2 years because I then went to the Topsportschool in Leuven. Now I'm in my sixth and final year at the Topsportschool in Vilvoorde and I'm in dual licence with Asterix Avo Beveren.

What do you like most about playing with the Young Yellow Tigers? How did you feel the first time you played?
The best thing about playing with the Young Yellow Tigers is that you get to play against a lot of international countries at a young age. That's exciting, but also a great feeling. My first match with the Young Tigers was in France. There we also ended up going home with the gold medal. A fantastic experience.

You are at the ‘Volleybalschool’ in Vilvoorde, how do they go about it there (lesson-to-training ratio)?
At the ‘Volleybalschool’, we are in class from 8 am to 12 pm. Afterwards, our sports programme starts. Whether I like being at boarding school? Yes. Staying at boarding school is cosy and at school itself the focus is completely on sport, so to speak. Moreover, volleyball is particularly considered.

What is your favourite action (of any team)?
In February, we played the cup final with Asterix, where we won. During that match, or yes, at the end of that match, my favourite action was played: the match ball point. Lotte De Quick struck, then our teammates finished the play with a block-out. Boom. Won! What a fantastic crowning achievement that was.