Jente Wieldraaijer: From Volleyball Passion to Global Impact with Let’s Keep The Ball Flying

When you first meet Jente Wieldraaijer, her passion for volleyball is unmistakable. Yet, what truly stands out is how she has chosen to extend that passion beyond personal achievement, using it as a force for good with Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF).

Volleyball Passion That Goes Beyond the Court

Jente’s journey with volleyball began at the age of eleven, when a chance visit to a training session sparked what would become a lifelong passion to the sport. She quickly embraced its spirit of teamwork and competition, progressing through club and national team selections and dedicating much of her youth to the game. Volleyball shaped her discipline, resilience and sense of belonging, values that continue to guide her today.

Guided by a Lasting Connection

Jente first met Lesley de Jonge, founder of LKTBF, when he coached her during her early years in the sport. His focus on mental strength left a lasting impression on Jente. She remembers how he showed her that volleyball was not just about physical performance, but also about mindset and character.

Years later, as LKTBF blossomed into a global volleyball movement, Jente watched its growth with admiration. For her, getting involved was never a question of if, but of when.

Joining the Global Volleyball Movement

In the summer of 2024, Jente joined LKTBF, bringing her playing experience and a strong belief in volleyball’s power to empower communities. Today, as Scout Team Leader for the Netherlands, she connects passionate volunteers with opportunities to make a real impact.

Jente leads her Scout Team with creativity, organisation and mentorship, guiding them to deliver events, fundraisers, and community initiatives that foster joy, connection and resilience. Through her work, she helps others discover what volleyball can achieve — both on and off the court.

Jente (third from left) and LKTBF volunteers at Volleyball Marathon in Hengelo, Netherlands

“Volleyball has given me so much throughout my life: friendships, personal growth, unforgettable experiences,” she reflects. “With LKTBF, I want to help ensure that others have the same chance, no matter where they come from.”

Full Circle: From Player to Changemaker

Jente’s commitment reflects the essence of LKTBF’s mission — to unite the world through the power of volleyball. Her story is one of continuity: from a young athlete to a leader, giving back through a movement that champions community, inclusivity and empowerment.

For LKTBF, volunteers like Jente are the heartbeat of the movement — the fingerprints leaving lasting marks on courts, classrooms and communities around the world. And for Jente, the journey has come full circle: from player to mentor, from a local volleyball court to global cause.

Her story is a reminder that sport, when shared, is far more than a game. It is a catalyst for growth, a bridge between cultures and a lasting source of hope. Inspired by Jente’s story? You can make a difference through volleyball too.

👉 Discover our volunteering opportunities and join a global community bringing people together through the power of sport.