Over the years, there have been exceptionally intense cup finals in volleyball, events many look back on with nostalgia, able to recount every twist and turn of those particular matches.

Interest in these matches surged even more when the finals moved from rickety parish halls to the magnificent Sportpaleis in Antwerp. This unique venue not only hosted world-class music stars but also brought the top Belgian volleyball clubs into the spotlight.

Over the coming months, we will highlight a few stars—legends, as some would say—who played pivotal roles in unforgettable cup finals. Perhaps it will inspire you to witness the creation of new legends at the next finals in early March 2025.

Seppe Baetens: “Two Finals, Two Extremes”

We remember his first press conference with Lennik, attended by sponsors and volleyball dignitaries, where he was introduced as the youngest recruit for the club from Pajottenland. What were his aspirations in volleyball?

His answer was refreshingly honest, a rarity at such gatherings: “If I don’t grow another ten centimeters, it’s all for nothing.” Seppe didn’t grow much taller, but that didn’t stop him from building an impressive career that many Belgian players could only dream of. “One of my fondest memories is undoubtedly lifting the cup on a couple of occasions,” he admits.

But before diving into those memories, we wanted to clear up a question: is he still active in volleyball? The past few months had left fans guessing.

Seppe Baetens: “I went to visit someone in Athens for a day or two, and now I’ve been here for over six weeks. No, not as a guide at one of the city’s historic sites. I’m training daily with a volleyball team in the second division. It’s no problem—they let me train without hassle, which is great since I’m aiming to play actively for a team I like in the coming weeks.
Last season, I wrapped up my stint in Abu Dhabi, and they suggested I could return this season. But after August, I heard nothing until they informed me they’d decided to do without foreign players and allocate the savings to their football team. What can you do?

Now, I receive one or two offers a week, but none from clubs I truly feel excited about. I’m nearing the end of my career, so I want to finish on a high note. I’m willing to wait, though I admit it’s time for a solid offer to come through.

In Athens, I’m soaking up the culture, and I enjoy the vibe here. I haven’t explored Plaka (Athens’ nightlife hub) yet. I’m keeping it low-key—my wild days are behind me, and recovery takes longer now. Not the right moment, anyway.”

Baetens recalls: “Winning that first cup was a career highlight. Playing for a title is exhilarating, and securing my first trophy felt amazing. It was one to remember—a nerve-wracking final against Roeselare that went on forever. If I’m not mistaken, it ended 30-28 for Antwerp after Knack wasted several match points. The game ended with a block by Tom van Walle on Tuerlinckx.

We had an incredible group that got along well on and off the court. With Ditlevsen, Van Harskamp, Koelewijn, and the rest, we even took a 0-2 lead against Roeselare in the playoffs, though they won the next three matches in a row. That season, we played to packed venues—it was fantastic!”

The following year, it was a victory with Asse-Lennik against Antwerp...

“Two finals at opposite ends of the spectrum: one a thrilling nail-biter, the other a breeze. Lennik defeated Antwerp easily in the second final, even clinching the last set 25-9. What made it special was facing my former club and winning my first title with Lennik, the same club where my legendary father, Jo Baetens, had his glory days. I believe it was also the season we eliminated Roeselare in the semifinals.”

You mentioned you’re nearing the end of your playing career. Any thoughts on life after volleyball?

“Not really, not yet. I’m currently club-less and aware that things can end quickly. However, I’d love to stay involved in sports. I still have a personal coaching course to finish, and we’ll see where that leads.”

Text: Marcel Coppens
Photos: Archive