IN MEMORIAM ...Vera Van de Ven... (1961 - 2026) (© Photo: Private Photo)

Belgian softball-icon & Hall of Famer Vera Van de Ven passed away
Nederlands

HOBOKEN (Belgium) - Vera Van de Ven, who was a wellknown personality for many years in Belgian (and international) softball, has passed away on Saturday, August 22 at the much too young age of 65 in his home-town Hoboken, after unfortunately losing a battle with a severe illness.

The memorial-ceremony for Vera Van de Ven will be held on Saturday, September 12 at 11:00 AM at Aula Chrysant of Crematorium Pontes, located at Jules Moretuslei 2 in Wilrijk (Belgium). The family will welcome attendees at the entrance of the Aula from 10:30 AM.

After the service, a private ceremony will take place at the Antwerp Cemetery Schoonselhof

Vera Van de Ven was born on March 13, 1961 in Antwerp. For much of her life, Vera had been active in softball as a pitcher, coach, instructor and mentor. She played and coached in both Belgium and the Netherlands. And with the Belgian National Team, Vera participated in many international tournaments.

For many seasons, Vera Van de Ven played in the highest Belgian Softball League for teams as General Motors, Royal Greys and Brasschaat Braves as a very successful pitcher. At all these clubs, she also had been active as a coach, including instructing youth-players. Vera also coached at Wielsbeke Pitbulls.

Through the years, Vera also had been a valuable player in the Belgian National Team. In 1990, she was a member of the team that accounted for a major upset during the European Championship in Genova (Italy) when it defeated the Netherlands Team. In the event, the Netherlands won the European title, while Belgium won Silver and Italy had to settle for third place. Back then, former Netherlands Team Head Coach Nol Houtkamp led the successful Belgian squad and was assisted by Johan Kluijskens, another longtime Dutch softball-coach.

In 2006, Vera played in the highest Dutch Softball League for Euro Stars, which then was led by Head Coach Mary-Ann Hatt.

Three years later, Mary-Ann and Vera re-united. In 2009, Mary-Ann was the Head Coach of big league-team Gryhons with Vera as her Assistant.

...Vera Van de Ven and Wout Isbouts... ...as coaches of Gryhons at the 2013... ...European Cup Winners Cup-tournament... (© Photo: Rein Merkx)

In 2010, Vera also coached in the Netherlands, again in the highest league. She then initially was the Assistant Coach of Léon Kaptein at Oosterhout Twins. Halfway the season, Kaptein was replaced by René Roovers, but Vera stayed on as Assistant.

In 2013, Vera returned to Gryhons. In that season, as well as in 2014, Vera was the Assistant Coach and Pitching Coach of the big league-team, which in these years was led by Wout Isbouts. In 2015, Vera succeeded Isbouts as Head Coach.

Currently, both Wout Isbouts (chairman) and Mary-Ann Hatt are Technical Commissioners of WBSC Europe.

For her many contributions to the development of softball in Belgium, Vera Van de Ven was inducted into the Royal Belgian Baseball and Softball Federation Hall of Fame. In 2007, Vera also was elected into the Hall of Fame of WBSC Europe, which then was the European Softball Federation.

...Vera as coach of Gryhons... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

The sympathetic Vera Van de Ven was always joyful, enthusiastic and smiling, but at the same time could be very driven and determined to get the best out of her players and teammates. Vera, who had many friends in both Belgium and the Netherlands, will surely be missed by many of us.

Several Belgian clubs posted reactions on Facebook or their website.

Royal Greys wrote:
,,It is with great sadness that we have had to say goodbye to Vera Van de Ven.
Vera was much more than a familiar name in the softball world. With her dedication, passion, warmth, and unconditional love for the sport, she left a lasting impression over many years on players, clubs, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her commitment and enthusiasm made Vera a special person. She helped shape our sport and will live on in the memories of many.
Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and everyone who loved her. We wish them much strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Thank you, Vera, for everything you meant to the softball world and to so many people.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.''

Brasschaat Braves wrote:
,,It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of former player Vera Van de Ven.
Vera reached great heights, not only at Brasschaat, but later also internationally.
We wish Vera's family and friends immense strength in coping with this great loss.
Rest in peace, Vera.''

Wielsbeke Pitbulls wrote:
,,The softball world is in mourning. It came as a shock when we heard the news that Vera Van de Ven is no longer with us. We experienced many beautiful moments when she coached the Wielsbeke women's team. Those were, until then, the successful years of the Wielsbeke softball team.
Our sincere thanks, Vera, we wish you well.
May you rest in peace.Much strength to the family and friends.''

The webmaster of Grand Slam * Stats & News offers his condolences to Vera's son Dennis, daughter Kirsten, other family and friends and wishes them a lot of strength with this huge loss.

(September 4)