When we talk about cup finals, she simply cannot be left out. She is a true legend, and the numbers speak for themselves. The 34-year-old setter has played in the ‘Cup Finals’ twelve times and has won the Belgian Cup nine (!) times with four different clubs.

Jasmien, what is your secret behind such consistently top-level performances?

Jasmien Biebauw: “The biggest motivator for me was the unconditional drive to make it to the final. And then came an even stronger determination to win it. The first time I won the cup with Gent, I wasn’t a starting player yet. The second time, with Oudegem, remains my fondest memory. That time, I was in the starting lineup, and it was an unexpected victory. We – with Fien Callens (now coach at Oudegem, ed.) – were not the favorites going into that match.

I never imagined that it would mark the start of such a long streak. But the more cups I won, the greater the desire became to win even more. It wasn’t easy because I had to keep proving myself. Always reaffirming that I deserved to reach the ‘Cup Finals’ and then, in those unique circumstances, to take the trophy. By the way, the finals were not always my best matches. Too many factors can affect your performance in those moments.”

You are now a mother of two lovely daughters, yet you returned to volleyball. That’s an impressive feat.

“I did return to Liga B, though. The passion for playing was still there. I’ve also become better at accepting wins and losses. It’s a bit frustrating that things don’t come as easily as they used to. Having two daughters changes things, of course.

Last year, we finished second, behind Geel. I can put it into perspective. We weren’t competing for the championship then. And now I’m back in the top league. I’m still very enthusiastic about it. Playing against all those top teams remains a challenge, and I’ve come to terms with it. All my previous teams competed for the top four. Michelbeke does not. But we are improving every week. We’ve already shown we can surprise people, as we did against Oudegem and Noorderkempen.

It’s not always easy, though. The experience is different. For instance, when I used to set up an attacker in a one-on-one situation, I knew it would result in a point. That’s not always the case now. But, as I mentioned, it’s getting better and better.”

You lead a very busy life. How do you manage to combine everything? What inspires you to keep going?

“I attend three of the five training sessions. After my pregnancies, I had a strong desire to get moving again. Volleyball is my thing, my passion. So it was a logical step to return. Besides, we only live 15 minutes from the sports hall, so it’s manageable.

I’m currently working on my final thesis in my care assistant training. It’s due at the end of the month, and if I pass, a new phase in my career will begin. Balancing everything – household, volleyball, and work – is very challenging. On top of that, I coach a youth team in Michelbeke once a week. Sometimes, it feels like solving a big puzzle to manage my schedule.

The inspiration and drive to keep going are still strong, thanks to my love and passion for the game. I try to share as many tips as possible with my teammates, which keeps it exciting. I haven’t set a deadline for myself. This time, there’s no fixed end date for when I’ll stop playing. I take it year by year.

Childcare isn’t always easy. Sometimes, I bring my daughters to matches. If there’s someone with them that I trust, I can focus on the game. But if not, I get very distracted, and that affects my concentration. Our kids, Lotte, almost 3 years old, and Lenny, who turns 4 next month, attend a movement school. They already see and understand the game very well. So…”

You seem to look back on your past with satisfaction while cheerfully looking forward to the future with your wonderful daughters.

“There’s one thing I regret. I feel it’s a shame that I was never chosen as ‘Player of the Year.’ I won the Belgian Cup so many times – even eight years in a row – yet an attacker, usually from my own team, would win the trophy. The players who score points get the most applause. That’s just how it is. People don’t always see the work that goes into setting up those smashes, which can be a bit discouraging.

Speaking of Player of the Year, I already believe Lien Van Geertruyden deserves that title. We recently played against Tchalou Volley, and what she demonstrated as a setter was remarkable. I told her I was in awe of the progress she’s made. She deserves that honor at the end of this season. It’s about time a setter wins, especially in women’s volleyball.”

Text: Walter Vereeck
Photos: Archive and personal photos