A friendship fostered through varsity volleyball at Queen's, the game has found a way to reunite Markus Trence and Tyler Scheerhoorn. 
 
Both Physical Education graduates, Scheerhoorn and Trence first suited up for the Gaels during their respective 2011 and 2012 rookie seasons. Completing his Bachelor of Education, Trence closed out his time with the Gaels last season as the OUA kills leader with a career-high 263.  
 

While the two have retired the Tricolour, the Gaels alumni have once again found themselves as teammates on the court – this time with CHEV Diekirch, the first division professional league in Luxembourg.

Undergoing his third season overseas, Scheerhoorn previously played for the Union Volleyball Raiffeisen Waldviertel, a first league team in Austria. For the Belleville native, Luxembourg offered a new career opportunity in the form of a dual contract. Scheerhoorn would serve as the head English Sport Teacher for Over the Rainbow International School by day and play professionally for CHEV Diekirch's men's volleyball side by night.   

For Scheerhoorn, the move from Austria to Luxembourg was further incentivized by the prospect of a reunion with former Queen's teammate Trence. This time, the two would not only work together on the volleyball court but also in the classroom. 
 
Joining his fellow Gael this year, Trence too accepted a dual-contract offer at Over the Rainbow as a grade four and five teacher under the English section of the international school.  

"I have been very fortunate to have arrived in Luxembourg having a friend and teammate," reflected Trence.  
 
"I played alongside Tyler for three years at Queen's and have always enjoyed his competitive nature. We both push each other on and off the court to get the best out of one another. Since Tyler is the sports educator for the entire school, he teaches my class every week. Having a friend as both a colleague and a teammate is both a unique and memorable experience," said the Hockley Valley native. "Playing on the same team again but in Europe is very surreal."
 
Echoing Trence, Scheerhoorn is also appreciative of the opportunity to work and compete with a familiar face.  
 
"Playing with Markus again is great. He is a killer on the court with great intensity. I love playing with winners, so on the court has been wonderful," said Scheerhoorn. "Of course, teaching with him has been great as well. It's surreal we were students once together, and now we are teachers." 
 
Surreal. Given their unique journey together from Kingston to Luxembourg, it's not surprising that both Trence and Scheerhoorn considered this word most appropriate to describe their shared experience.  
  "The beginning of the regular season with CHEV Diekirch has had its ups and downs. We prepared against teams from France (Pro B), Germany (2ndBundesliga), Luxembourg (1stLeague) and Belgium (1stLeague) during preseason. After preseason, we still didn't have our setter which was tough," said middle Scheerhoorn. "However, we acquired a setter after our third match in October and are setting the bar high for ourselves. Being in my third year playing overseas, I can already tell this season is going to be one to remember." 

 
Surely an experience to remember, 'work hard, play hard' has taken on a whole new meaning for Scheerhoorn and Trence as pro players and full-time teachers.
 
According to Trence, limited rest remains one of the biggest challenges of dual-contract life. 
 
"Every weekday consists of waking up around 6 am to get to school and then teaching all day. I continue by heading to practice in the evening after school ends. I arrive back in my house from practice and workouts around 11 pm," said the 6'4 left side player. 
 
"That being said, I'm out of my house for the entire day which makes it vital to plan, plan, plan. My time at Queen's as a student-athlete definitely prepared me to pursue both of my dreams."

Seconding his teammate, Scheerhoorn contended, "I have no free time during the week. I have to be honest it isn't easy. However, you push through because you truly love it. I know I can't live this busy lifestyle forever, so I enjoy every moment and live it to the fullest."

Balancing work and volleyball, Scheerhoorn – like Trence – maintains that his time spent as a Gael has been fundamental to his success abroad.  

"Queen's has prepared Markus and I for success overseas. As a varsity athlete, we had to learn to perfect our time management skills which has prepared me for the workload that playing pro demands. I was lucky enough to have great coaches during my time at Queen's who pushed me to raise my volleyball IQ. It's given me the ability to compete in Europe."
   
Trading in Tricolour for CHEV Diekirch's yellow and blue, Trence and Scheerhoorn often reminisce on the years spent playing for the Gaels.  
 
"The biggest thing I miss about playing at Queen's is the relationships and special memories you make with your teammates. In Europe, most of the players you are competing with are at different points in life. Being at Queen's, our Gael culture is something very hard to replicate anywhere else." 
 
To follow their season, go to: www.flvb.lu or follow team CHEV Diekirchon on Facebook.