She has three daughters, whom she always followed to every team they played for. Over time, this also led to her assisting some foreign teams during international matches in Belgium — until she was eventually asked if she would consider supporting the Yellow Tigers during their campaigns.

“You kind of grow into that role, especially after more than ten years of helping organize various events for the national team,” says Lieve De Schutter, known in the volleyball world as Mrs. Juwet, the wife of the current president of Volley Belgium and vice-president of CEV, the European Volleyball Confederation.

“When you make a decision like that, you also have to ask yourself whether it fits into your work schedule — because I’m still employed. I work at Multipharma, a pharmaceutical company, where I provide IT training and support to pharmacists, as well as pass on relevant information and documentation. But since the Yellow Tigers are heading to China after a preparatory tournament against Spain in Murcia starting June 1, then to Turkey, and finally to the Netherlands for the VNL competition, I’ve decided to take unpaid leave — with my husband’s blessing.” (laughs)

People see you a bit as the team’s ‘mom’… What exactly does your job entail?
“Many parents are actually happy that a woman with some life experience is traveling with the group.

My job is to make sure everything is well organized — both beforehand and on-site abroad. I coordinate with local organizers to ensure transport to the hotel and venue is in order, try to adjust training schedules at the coach’s request, make sure laundry gets done on time, assist the doctor and physio, and handle meal arrangements with the catering team.

Some people wish me a nice vacation, but I honestly don’t have time for that. Still, I love my role as a jack-of-all-trades.
I have tremendous respect for the players and the staff — they’re fully committed 24/7. After a match, they’re already analyzing data and watching footage of the next opponent, while the players make sure they’re in top condition. If I can take something off someone’s plate to benefit the team, I do it. As a team manager, you play a supporting role, and I feel good in that position.”

What kind of challenges do you sometimes face?
“At international tournaments, you sometimes come up against bureaucracy. The FIVB or CEV must provide you with information, supported by the people at Volley Vlaanderen, but sometimes that only happens once all teams have arrived.
At the European Championship in Ghent a few years ago, I helped Sabine Neukermans during preparations. I was also responsible on behalf of the CEV for all the logistics in the run-up to the CEV Congress in Brussels.
In events like that, you realize how quickly things can change — so you have to be very flexible. That’s why I also understand when the occasional mishap occurs.”

It’s a long stretch for everyone. Isn’t it too much in such a short period, especially for the players?
“After the preparatory tournament in Murcia, there's the VNL tournament in China, then one week in Belgium, followed by another VNL week in Turkey, then two weeks later the tournament in Apeldoorn (Netherlands). In early August there are still some European Championship qualifiers, and after a training camp in Slovenia, it’s off to the World Championship in Thailand.

It’s a long haul, yes — but we stay active. Coaches and players are constantly exposed to high-level volleyball, and that’s the best way to improve.
When I compare national team players to those who weren’t selected and who resume club play after virtually no volleyball during the summer break, it’s clear that our players return sharper from competitions where they’ve trained and played at the highest level.”

Do you sometimes have to offer emotional support when things aren’t going so well?
“I’m part of the staff. But rest assured: this group is really tight-knit and knows how to support each other. Sometimes players are disappointed in their own performances, of course. But when I see how mentally strong some of them are, it’s really inspiring.

Others sometimes need a pat on the back or a listening ear — and there’s nothing wrong with that.
There are also players I got to know years ago during youth competitions, and seeing them evolve into Yellow Tigers after years of dedication — I find that truly impressive.

I genuinely enjoy seeing their growth — from young girls to mature women.”

You don’t see many very young players among the Yellow Tigers…
“You’d be surprised. When I look at the teams from Italy or Turkey, their average age is around 28 or 29. With us, Nathalie Lemmens, who is 29, is the oldest. A fantastic woman, and this year she even landed a great transfer to Italy. Other Yellow Tigers also had strong seasons abroad.”

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you arrive in China? Vital Heynen once complained about the lack of cheese…
“We’re definitely not bringing a wheel of cheese along! (laughs)
My first priority is making sure all paperwork and local arrangements are in order. Internet access isn’t straightforward there, so I’ll need to get a local SIM card to ensure smooth communication with Europe. I assume Kris Vansnick will be reporting the sports news to the media.

As for food: we’ll eat what’s served — as long as it meets everyone’s dietary needs and intolerances. If we’re not satisfied, we’ll try negotiating with the local organizers — maybe get some chocolate spread or a few bananas.
But chances are slim we’ll need to: we’re staying in well-rated international hotel chains.”

Article: Marcel Coppens