The Belgium national team will not look the same after star libero Valerie Courtois and team captain Charlotte Leys announced their retirement from the squad in their personal twitter pages earlier in the week.
The 27-year-old Courtois, who currently plays for French club Stade Français had been with the Belgian NT since 2010, and won a Bronze medal in the 2013 CEV European Championship with the squad, being awarded as the best libero of the competition.
“Today’s news! After 8 summers of being a Yellow Tigers, my retirement. Big hugs to the Yellow Tigers! #onceatigeralwaysatiger ?”
The former captain Leys, 28 years of age, was part of team for the last 11 years, and currently plays for Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyespor. She also won a bronze medal in the 2013 CEV European Championship with the team.
“After 11 years of non-stop Yellow tiger? it is time for me to quit NT?? I loved playing with each and everyone of you! I made friends ❤️for life! Now it’s time for the younger players to show what they got, and I wish them all the best for the future! One last Roaarr-out!”
In addition, it was also announced that standout Lise Ven Hecke will take a one year break from the team, while former players Frauke Dirickx and Sarah Smits will be joining the team’s coaching staff.
Belgium is currently the 13th ranked team in FIVB’s international rankings.
Social Media Roundup
Today’s news! After 8 summers of being a Yellow Tigers, my retirement. Big hugs to the Yellow Tigers! #onceatigeralwaysatiger ? https://t.co/PbhbhHmgFS
— Valérie Courtois (@ValrieCourtois) January 26, 2018
After 11 years of non-stop Yellow tiger? it is time for me to quit NT?? I loved playing with each and everyone of you! I made friends ❤️for life! Now it’s time for the younger players to show what they got, and I wish them all the best for the future! One last Roaarr-out! pic.twitter.com/s0tPHfE3RT
— Charlotte Leys (@jelledwitte) January 27, 2018
Thank you for all those years giving it all for the team. From rookies till the experienced players you’ve become. It was great playing with you. You did lift us up! We hope you had the time of your life. Big round of applause ?? Best of luck in your future ? #WeGoAsOne (2/2)
— BelgianYellowTigers (@BelYellowTigers) January 26, 2018
Turning point. After years of sweat, joy, tears, happiness, dedication, smiles, good & hard times, leadership & sweets together. We wave our libero & ‘Sweet Tiger’ Valérie Courtois #4 and our Captain & ‘Queen Tiger’ Charlotte Leys #6 goodbye. (1/2) @jelledwitte @ValrieCourtois
— BelgianYellowTigers (@BelYellowTigers) January 26, 2018
It’s official now! Captain Queen Tiger Charlotte Leys @jelledwitte & Sweet Tiger @valeriecourtois retire from National Team. @LiseVanHecke takes a break for 1y. Former Tigers Sarah Smits & @FDirickx will join the Tiger staff ? #WeGoAsOne pic.twitter.com/jtb2zY56Z0
— BelgianYellowTigers (@BelYellowTigers) January 26, 2018
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