They followed their dreams, wanted to showcase their ambitions, and listened to their passions. Last summer, Youna Coens and Ines Piret made the leap from little Belgium to the ‘Think Great Again’ USA. In faraway America, they set out to combine academics and beach volleyball at two different colleges. Youna (20) is studying psychology at a college in Florida. Ines (18) is pursuing marketing at a college in Arizona.

Ines Piret and Youna Coens talk rapidly, often overlapping, always glancing at their new beach partner to confirm: “That’s what I meant, right?” Because even though they were miles apart in the USA, their stories and experiences completely align.

A different path, but the same journey. It’s no surprise these two talents—with such similar experiences—found each other in the Belgian beach volleyball circuit, which kicked off last weekend on the cozy courts in Haacht. Under a radiant sun, our chat with this enthusiastic duo was all the more enjoyable.

The combination of sport and academics is typical of the American school system, where efficiency and performance are intensely fused.
Youna Coens and Ines Piret:
“Each American college has its own character and unique reputation. Different priorities are set everywhere—no two are the same. But we feel we made the right choice. Every university recruits students in a very targeted way, looking for the best fit with their vision and program.

In the end, the choice depends on the level of competition you want to pursue. We’re in a great place—it’s top-notch. We combine four hours of class daily with a morning training session, and there’s time in the afternoon for recovery with physiotherapy. There’s fitness, power sessions up to three times a week, ice baths, nutrition advice, video analysis, and, of course, training in the sand. Our days are packed, but everything is so well organized. It’s very intense, but I’ve fallen in love with the places where we get to study and train. The facilities are truly exceptional.”

You’re immersed in the typical American mentality: 'Go big or go home.'
"That’s completely true. We’re pushed to dream big. It’s about perseverance—even when things go wrong, you keep looking for solutions. Every training and match is filmed. With the ‘Balltime’ program, powered by artificial intelligence, we can analyze every action—neatly compiled. Coaches give positive feedback first, then point out areas for improvement, but always constructively. They also provide the tools to fix technical or tactical issues. For us, this works really well. It’s the ideal learning process."

Team dynamics in U.S. colleges are known for their fun and energy. You’re part of a larger whole, which creates a unique drive and sense of togetherness.
“It’s incredible—it gives you so much energy. That collective spirit also brings calm because you can always fall back on your team. Matches happen simultaneously on different courts, and everyone supports each other. We play at the highest level with our teams. The drive is immense.

Each division is divided into conferences—groups of universities linked geographically or historically. Ines was in the toughest group and knew it would be hard to beat the top opponents, but the challenge was immense and extremely educational. Youna reached the final of the high-level Conference Tournament. The winners would automatically qualify for the national championships alongside the strongest teams from across the USA. Those were truly top moments. When our entire team stood cheering us on during that final—it gave us a real adrenaline rush.”

You now form a new duo in the Belgian Beach Volleyball Championship. With your U.S. experience, your status may have changed—you’re now contenders for the title.
“It’s not yet certain if we’ll make it to the Master Finals in Nieuwpoort, because that coincides with the U22 European Beach Volleyball Championships, held in Baden, Austria.
We’re playing several international tournaments this summer—for instance, next week in La Réunion, France. It’s a special event, apparently part of an African zone. It’s a great opportunity to collect international points. A very interesting initiative, organized by Thomas Lemay, brother of Menen coach Julien Lemay.”

You had to part ways with your previous beach partners. Are you now looking to develop an American-style game that fits your identities and personalities?
“It wasn’t easy leaving our previous beach partners—Annelore Bex (Ines) and Jade Van Deun (Youna). That was a tough moment. They saw it coming, though. Now we’re in a new phase. Since we’re experiencing the same American dream, we’re on the same wavelength. We’re kindred spirits.
Even though we come from two different beach programs in Florida and Arizona, it’s enriching. We share technical and tactical insights and are trying to blend both cultures into our own unique playing style. We’re very complementary, which allows us to incorporate many options into our game plan.

Kris Eyckmans and Pieter-Jan regularly communicate with our coaches, ensuring good cooperation—even though the approach in Belgium is very different. We feel like different people when we’re in America. It’s really two separate worlds. Sometimes it’s hard—missing home and all that—but then we’re immersed again in that unique atmosphere. Our teammates have become like a second family. We spend hours together every day and work closely all the time. That creates a bond. It’s a wonderful adventure—we would absolutely recommend it to anyone.”

Text: Walter Vereeck
Photo: FotoPe