This Sunday at 5:30 PM, a very meaningful Cup match is set to take place. During KwadrO Amigos Sint-Antonius Zoersel vs. Greenyard Maaseik, one name stands out on the home team’s roster: opposite hitter Jolan Cox. The 34-year-old lefty used to delight the Limburg fans with his aces and powerful attacks for Maaseik. So how did he go from full-time professional volleyball to a team that trains three times a week?

Jolan Cox:
“It’s simple: Maaseik didn’t want me anymore. You’ll have to ask them for the exact reasons. Their explanation was that I wasn’t performing consistently enough throughout the season. Their explanation! They still had a one-year option in my contract, but a month after the deadline they told me I could look for another team.

By then, every top Belgian club had already filled the opposite position. I considered playing abroad one more year, but the idea of being away from my children that long wasn’t worth the risk. So, I trained with my youth club, Amigos — I still knew some people there. After a few sessions, they were the only team that actually asked me to join. Much less intense, yes, but close to my home in Sint-Job, where the kids and I live now.”

We assume you won’t earn nearly as much now as you did in Puurs, Menen, Antwerp, Nice or Maaseik?
(laughs) “Of course not. I see this experience more as a hobby. But it gives me the chance to build something outside of volleyball — I’m still looking for that opportunity. Overall, I’m proud of my career. I’ve had amazing times with the national team. I even joined the latest Red Dragons campaign as a possible injury replacement.

The highlight? Winning the Belgian title with Maaseik in 2018 after six long years. And again the year after, with four out of five play-off finals ending in a tie-break. Why did it stop working afterward? The budget was cut, lots of new players every year — while Roeselare had strong stability in every area.”

How do you feel about facing Maaseik in the Cup? Looking for revenge?
“Not really. As a team we just want to enjoy the experience — and of course, I’d love to score against them. But realistically, our chances of winning are slim. Maaseik signed some strong players, and they already face Menen on Wednesday which will be their first big test. On Saturday we also have a tough league match against Hemiksem.
We’re not aiming for the Cup final — to get there we’d have to beat Leuven and Roeselare after Maaseik! Honestly, I landed in a great group, they welcomed me with open arms, and we’re going to make the most of it.”

Text: MC
Photo: Instagram Amigos_men_volley