The High Performance Commission has welcomed a new member in the person of Wouter Verhelst. He is arguably one of the most academically accomplished figures in the Flemish volleyball world. He holds a degree in History (Ancient History), followed by a Master’s degree in International Relations and Conflict Management (both at KU Leuven). He later obtained a Master’s degree in Human Ecology and Sustainable Development (VUB) and a Master’s degree in Monument and Landscape Conservation (University of Antwerp).

Some may wonder whether such a versatile profile is suitable for a role within the High Performance Commission. That would be without taking his sporting background into account. Wouter spent ten years as a semi-professional volleyball player with Lennik and Roeselare, while also being a member of the Belgian men’s national team. And his sporting story does not end there: at the age of 45, the middle blocker remains active in first national division with Rembert Torhout.

“But that is probably not what we will be discussing here, because despite the presence of several experienced players, we are having a difficult season. Nevertheless, we are determined to secure our place in this division,” he says enthusiastically.

How did you end up on the High Performance Commission?
Wouter Verhelst: “A few months ago, I received a phone call from Kris Eyckmans, Director of High Performance, asking whether I would be interested in replacing Dominique Baeyens, who apparently wished to step down. I am, of course, somewhat familiar with the world of elite sport from my own volleyball career. I also know how the elite sports school operates, as my daughter Liese studied there, and I am reasonably well informed about how the national teams function. Beach volleyball is probably what I know least about, although a top player such as Lente Thant also comes from our club, so I do follow it to some extent. I therefore had some knowledge of all the required aspects of high-performance sport.”

What ultimately convinced you to accept the role?
“I did hesitate for a while, but after careful consideration, I decided to accept the position. I also sought advice from, among others, Dominique Baeyens himself, who felt my involvement would be relevant. I have already attended three meetings: two online and one in person in Vilvoorde. The federation’s leadership is represented, alongside several independent experts and representatives of organisations involved in high-performance sport, such as Sport Vlaanderen and the BOIC.”

How would you describe the role of the High Performance Commission?
“We advise on the overall functioning of the national teams and the elite sports school, both indoor and beach. The commission acts as a link between the volleyball world and higher-level bodies such as Sport Vlaanderen and the BOIC. My initial impression is that it is much more interesting than I first expected. It is certainly not just a talking shop. I can contribute meaningfully to most topics. Issues can be approached from different angles, and I believe everyone benefits from a sounding board where ideas can be tested. I am confident that I can add value in that respect.”

Can you give some concrete examples of the topics discussed?
“A wide range of issues comes up: advising on specific programmes, evaluating them afterwards, exploring future possibilities, identifying organisational areas for improvement, and reconsidering certain objectives for the future. Next month’s agenda will focus mainly on organisational aspects: agreements with coaches, frameworks for upcoming campaigns, and possibly certain subsidies. The financial situation obviously also has an impact on operations. Especially in youth development, difficult choices sometimes have to be made, which do not always make it easy to achieve sporting objectives.”

You have been involved in volleyball for a long time. What changes have you observed?
“The media coverage of our sport has changed. Match reports have disappeared from Monday newspapers and there are far fewer features in daily papers. Perhaps newspapers have become somewhat outdated. One has to be realistic and look at how many matches can now be followed via the League, Sporza and international platforms. There are also the federation’s and clubs’ websites, where scores and statistics are often available for every match. In addition, there are articles on Topvolley Belgium and their dissemination through social media. It is simply different from the past: perhaps less attention in traditional media, but much more exposure via social media and the internet.
I also notice that there is now more consultation with the French-speaking federation than in the past. Players from that region are therefore selected more often for the national teams. For example, I observed that in the U18 girls’ selection, four players did not come from the elite sports school.”

Can you combine this role with your job as Head of Spatial Planning at the municipal administration of Wingene?
“Whenever there is a meeting, I take half a day off work. Otherwise, you cannot do the job properly. I do this on a voluntary basis, and with great pleasure.”

Was the fact that your daughter Liese is part of the national women’s team an obstacle?
“I am glad you asked that question, because it was my biggest concern from an ethical point of view. Clear agreements have therefore been made: whenever the situation of the Tigers is being evaluated, I recuse myself.”

Were you surprised by how strongly Liese broke through with the Yellow Tigers?

“I was mainly pleasantly surprised by the speed of her development. Without having played a single match in the League, she made an impression at the World Championship. She clearly integrated well into the group, which was not an easy task. She also made good use of the circumstances and opportunities that presented themselves. I also believe the coaching staff did an excellent job on the mental side. They turned this team into a group with a mission, which could certainly serve as a positive example for other national teams.”

Text: MC
Photo: Rembert Torhout Heren