‘Everyone Wants Britt Herbots on Their Team’: How Banner Takes the Yellow Tigers to the Next Level | yellow tigers

“It’s very, very important. But I think everyone already knows that.”

Teammate and longtime cuddle friend Celine van Gestel is convinced Britt Herbots need no introduction anymore.

“She forces things during a game and takes us to the next level with her enthusiasm. The Tigers really appreciate what she does for us.”

“I think everyone wants Britt Herbots on their team.” Words that sound like music to the natural captain’s ears just before the European Championships.

Enthusiasm and a touch of impatience grace the Yellow Tigers’ corner forward. Qualities that also shape her club career.

In the summer of 2017 – before she turned 18 – she actually went abroad. Initially over a short distance in France, she then moved up to Italian senior competition and made moves there year after year.

“Last year, I went to Florence for a new challenge in a super young team,” she says of her progress in the European shoes. “But it wasn’t as expected, because I ended up in one of the laziest teams I’ve ever played for.”

A no-go for overambitious Herbots.

In Italy it is her place. Has it taken root and is now a well-known name too? “People on the street talk to me about volleyball in Florence,” she laughs.

She gained fame with her performance, which earned her Herbots transfer to Scandicci. If you’re still in doubt, she’s quite fluent in the local dialect, as evidenced by her Instagram ad.

She takes her volleyball lessons there for the Tigers. “In Italy you live in a culture where you have to perform continuously. This is what our national team needs to be there for in the big leagues.”

(Continue reading below the Instagram post)

In the Belgian women’s team, the prestige of the Herbots is greater if possible.

“I often notice that when new players come in, they ask not to hit them too hard in the early days,” he gave as an example.

“So cute,” Herbots laughs. “But to be gentle, we don’t quite get together in the national team. Luckily, they quickly realized that and it was over.”

Because the co-captain has a goal for her. There is at every appointment, preferably also the one in Paris in 2024.

“I know my role in the team, of course. I know I’m important. I have to score my points. And sometimes I have to be in the team…”

However, Herbots will never forget the importance of the women around him. “Without them—a really fine group—I couldn’t perform either.”

Captain van Gestel agrees with her friend: “Britt is always very energetic, enthusiastic and aggressive. But sometimes I get a little suspicious or frustrated in sleep.”

“Then I try to tell her, Dude, you’re the best. Come on, just hit that ball on the floor,” after which she nods and goes back to her old self.

Herbots will not deny that they are preoccupied with the pressure of the nation. Although during a meditation session she immediately remembers why it suited her so well.

“Everything I do is for the team. If I can be a bannerman, with great pleasure. If I can make sure the halls fill up. Gladly. I am a person to check out. People who come and watch and talk about me.”

“But above all: I like to motivate people. With a chat or a picture of a young girl dreaming of a career in volleyball. That’s what I do for.”

It is precisely for this reason that the next European Championship in Belgium will be very, very important for Herbots itself.