Volleyball is deeply rooted in the DNA of Robbe Van de Velde. With his mother Kristien Hoorens — a former top-level player at Bell’s Temse, Kieldrecht and the Belgian women’s national team — and his father Luc, a powerful attacker at Hades and VC Temse, it almost seemed inevitable. And then there is cousin Lise Van Hecke, who has since grown into an absolute world star.

At 23, Van de Velde is facing a decisive period with Lindemans Aalst: the battle for a top-four place in the Lotto Volley League combined with a European quarter-final against PAOK Thessaloniki. Talent, ambition — and knees that have been holding him back for two years.

Growing up in such a volleyball family: did it feel like you had no other choice?
Robbe Van de Velde: “Not really. There was never any pressure at home for me to become a top player. Of course, as a young kid you look up to someone like Lise, which is inspiring. But it was never an obligation. That changes at the elite sports school in Vilvoorde. There, you are prepared for professional volleyball in a very structured environment. That’s when ambition starts to grow naturally.”

Your generation was a strong one as well.
“Absolutely. I was part of the same generation as Mathijs Desmet, Wout D’Heer and Michiel Fransen. In youth national teams, I played alongside Seppe Rotty and Simon Plaskie. Those players and that environment push you forward. At home, however, things always remained calm. I think my ‘volleyball genes’ mainly expressed themselves through my height,” (laughs).

After Aalst, the move to Düren followed quite quickly. A logical step?
“Yes, and I still stand by it. My first period at Lindemans Aalst went very well. From a sporting perspective, the transfer to Düren was the right choice. But then the knee problems started.”

They have been an issue for two years now.
“And that has changed a lot. Long-term physical issues and rehabilitation — it was a mental challenge. Without those injuries, that move would have been a success, I’m still convinced of that. Now I’m back at Aalst with one main objective: getting fit again.”

What does that mean in practical terms?
“Rebuilding confidence. Rediscovering enjoyment. Volleyball is still the best sport there is. But I’ve become more realistic. This summer, we’ll evaluate whether surgery or injections are needed to solve the problem structurally.”

Meanwhile, Aalst are entering the decisive phase of the season, both domestically and in Europe. The team needs its captain.
“Exactly. Fortunately, things have been improving for me in recent weeks. But you never know how long my knees will hold up. We’re facing crucial matches. This is the moment when you have to be there as a team.”

The top four is the main objective.
“And rightly so. If we hadn’t dropped points after leading 2–0 against Menen and Leuven, or if we had avoided that 3–2 defeat in Achel, we would already be certain of a place in the BeNe Conference. Next weekend we travel to Menen. At the same time, Maaseik host Leuven, who are also still in the race for the top four and who will have to go to Waremme on the final matchday. Everything points to a decision on the very last day in a direct duel between Aalst and Maaseik. Dropping out of the top four at the last moment would feel like failure.”

In between, there is also Europe: PAOK Thessaloniki in the quarter-finals of the CEV Challenge Cup.
“That home match was deliberately moved to Tuesday 10 February so that we can prepare better for Maaseik. It will be busy and stressful, but in Europe we can play with freedom. PAOK are a strong team and the favourites.”

“These kinds of matches are good for the team, for maturity and for the overall atmosphere. We have nothing to lose. That’s a big difference compared to the decisive match against Maaseik. Then it’s truly do or die. Losing is simply not an option.”

Text: WV
Photo: Charlotte Van Audenhove