In recent months, we’ve looked back at notable volleyball figures who became known as “cup specialists” in various finals: nine wins, victories with different teams, and a series of impressive statistics. True "stars," indeed.

But we also rediscovered other "stars" in the rich history of Belgian cup finals. One unforgettable figure is Tim Degruyter. At first glance, he seemed a modest volleyball player, but he was a loyal clubman, serving Gent for 26 years. He grew into a true "star," for whom winning the cup became the pinnacle of his career. An especially emotional moment overwhelmed him after that unexpected cup victory against Aalst in 2022.

From architect to unexpected cup hero... The now 35-year-old Tim Degruyter can rightfully call himself a volleyball veteran. After 25 years with Caruur Gent, a historic cup win, and a European adventure, he found a new challenge with Vamos Stekene, where his team currently leads the Nationale 1 division. Still, that final with Gent in the 2021-2022 season remains a unique highlight of his career. What was going through his mind on that memorable day? How does he view volleyball today, and how does he balance it with life as an architect, husband, and father? It’s time to reflect and look ahead.

Hi Tim, let’s get straight to the point. Take us back to that historic day, February 27, 2022. What made that cup final so special?
Tim Degruyter: "It’s hard to put into words. Everything fell into place that day. As underdogs, we had already beaten Aalst earlier in the season, but the cup final was a different story. We started poorly and were far behind in the first set, which we ended up losing. But what stayed with me the most is how our team fought for every ball. Our main attacker, Jente De Vries, played the match of his life, and at some point, you could feel it: this was our day. Aalst began to falter, the Sportpaleis crowd was on our side, and by halfway through the fourth set, we were convincingly ahead. I knew we were going to do it. After the final point, I cried in the arms of my wife Marjoke and the fans for minutes. It was pure release."

A year later, you participated in the CEV Cup with Gent. How significant was that experience for you and the club?
"Winning the cup put Gent on the map, and that European ticket gave us the motivation to continue for another season. We narrowly fell short against the Turkish top team Arkas Spor, but those matches were amazing. The home match was particularly memorable. The Edugo Arena was packed, the atmosphere was electric, and we played at a level we didn’t think we could reach. That season was a beautiful way to conclude my time with Gent, especially as we also made the playoffs in the league."

Eventually, you left Caruur Gent after 26 years. Was that a tough decision?
"It was a combination of factors. After several players left and coach Jan Van Huffel also departed, I felt it was my time too. It was no secret that I had a great bond with Jan, but the club decided to adopt a more professional structure. This meant, among other things, that training sessions were scheduled at less convenient times. With my work as an architect, it became hard to balance everything. After all those seasons, I felt my story with Gent had come to an end. But to be clear: I look back with pride and gratitude."

You’ve been playing for Vamos Stekene in Nationale 1 for two seasons now. How is that going?
"Very well! The level is, of course, lower than in Liga A, but I enjoy the atmosphere and the balance between volleyball and work. We have a close-knit team, and the mix of training and fun works perfectly. Our goal is to finish in the top three, and if everything goes well, we might even get promoted. But there’s no pressure—it’s all a bonus. If Hellvoc Hemiksem-Schelle wins their rescheduled match, they’ll catch up with us. Honestly, though, I feel that a potential promotion might still be a year too soon."

Does your future as a player depend on potential promotion?
"Perhaps, but I haven’t decided yet. Look, I still feel great physically, so it depends more on other factors. Will the current squad stay together? Will there be reinforcements? I’ll take it as it comes."

Do you still keep in touch with former teammates? Do any old friends visit you in Stekene?
"I’m still in contact with a few guys, especially Chris Ogink and Martijn Colson, who are still active at Gent. I also message Gilles Vandecaveye from time to time. The great thing about volleyball is that friendships often last, even when you play elsewhere."

Volleyball clearly creates strong bonds. How do you view your relationship with Caruur Gent now?
"Luckily, my wife is also volleyball-minded, so through social media and live streams, I stay up to date on what’s happening at Gent. It’s great to see the club keep fighting, even though it’s been a challenging season. Gent is clearly in a transitional phase, but I still see a lot of potential."

Your daughter Lia was born just before the cup final, so she was too young, but does your 7.5-year-old son Ko remember that historic victory?
"He does because I recorded the match, and we watch it together from time to time. It still gives me goosebumps."

Will Ko follow in your footsteps?
"He’s still young, of course, but he definitely has an interest in sports. He’s currently playing with the U9 team at Caruur Gent and loves it. I try not to push him, though. At home, he often plays with a ball and enjoys beach volleyball because he gets to run around. For me, the most important thing is that he has fun with sports, no matter the direction he chooses. If he decides to stick with volleyball, I’ll proudly support him."

You seem to have a natural coaching instinct, even though you’ve always been a relatively reserved player. When you look back on your career, do you have any regrets? For example, not joining Maaseik when they approached you?
"Not really, because I always made room for my architecture studies. Of course, you sometimes wonder, ‘What if?’ But in the end, I’m happy with everything I’ve achieved and managed to maintain a good balance between my job as an architect, my role as a husband and father, and my career at Gent."

What are your thoughts on the upcoming cup final between Menen and Roeselare?
"Roeselare is obviously the favorite, but don’t underestimate Menen. They have a tenacious team and, as underdogs, always play without pressure. I give Roeselare a slight edge, but Menen could surprise everyone, just like we did in 2022."

Text: Kenny Hennens