French League 2023-2024

    I found Lauren Bertolacci's introduction interview with Nantes to be quite insightful (these are just part of it, the full interview is in the link)


    https://www.neptunesvolley.com…ch-des-neptunes-de-nantes



    How do you see yourself here in Nantes as the first female coach in the club's history?


    I don't think it's anything special; it's just a human quality. I lead with empathy, I listen, I communicate clearly. These aren't exclusively female traits, but coming from women's volleyball as a former player, I have lived experience that helps me understand my athletes in a unique way.


    I care deeply about the visibility of female coaches. You can't be what you can't see. It's hard to follow a path when you don't see anyone who looks like you doing it. This is one of the biggest challenges in increasing the number of women in coaching. If I can go further, work harder, push the boundaries, maybe it will pave the way for other women. Not just more coaches, but more female coaches.



    Do you feel any additional difficulty in being a female coach?


    In Switzerland, I participated in a committee to improve opportunities for women in coaching; it's clearly a cause I'm passionate about. I hired several assistants for the national team, some are now head coaches, and there are now several female head coaches in the league. Few people dare admit it, but the truth is that it's still difficult for a woman to progress in elite sport, whether in terms of opportunities or career. This is a well-known reality in the business world, and coaching is no exception. I'm proud to be one of those working to change this and create visibility to encourage more women to get started. Today, we're missing out on half of the coaching talent pool. Imagine how much sport could progress if we broadened the field and added another point of view!


    What is the "Lauren" method?


    My secret? I think the staff will quickly understand: I'm tireless. I don't stop until I've explored everything. I'm very focused on data, motor learning science, and performance analysis. It's a pillar of my coaching. Success doesn't come without intense and precise work. I'm very process-oriented, and I know how crucial it is for the entire staff to be aligned. At the same time, I strive to create the optimal environment for the players to progress. We ask a lot of them, so we must offer them everything that can help them succeed. They need to feel good to perform well.


    Volleyball is constantly evolving, and I push myself—and my staff—to evolve too. That old saying, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it”? For me, it's more like “if it ain't broke, break it.” Because comfort is the death of winning. There's always a target on our backs, with others constantly trying to catch us: we must change, do better. Sustained excellence comes from viewing every win or loss as an opportunity to learn, innovate, and better prepare for the next challenge.



    Is your coaching based more on statistics or feeling during the match?


    The more I work with data, the more I refine my tactics and my understanding of the subtleties of volleyball. The more I study the game, all genres combined, the more I develop a “feeling,” a precise reading of the game. This allows me to anticipate, to know what will work, and to perceive what my team is capable of doing in key moments. But it's not just a matter of me alone: with my staff, we build a collective understanding of the different possible scenarios in matches. We are ready to react when things don't go as planned. For me, the work upstream gives me this advantage: this ability to manage high-level matches with confidence and clarity. I have been on a bench as a head coach for more than ten years, and this experience really helps me manage all situations. Every match, every season, every challenge has taught me something.

    there is some solid rumors that pays d'Aix Venelles bankrupt. such a shame after this great season (semi fianl of both french cup and french league). More weird, it seems that neptunes nantes will not receive the agreement to play in first league, also because of money issue (final of french league and frenche cup 2025, final of CEV and league 2024, winner of french cup 2024) ! French women volleyball is in his best shape !

    The insolvency of Pays d'Aix Venelles has already been discussed in another thread here because it concerns the Belgian national team libero Britt Rampelberg and has therefore already found its way into the Belgian press. Nonetheless, it's definitely a shame. Fortunately, from a German perspective, Lena Kindermann didn't extend her contract there like Britt Rampelberg did.


    The situation with Neptune de Nantes is really strange. Their difficulties have been known since last year, but also due to the signing of Lauren Bertolacci, I thought they had managed to find calmer waters again. This is now certainly a terrible situation for everyone involved.

    cannes has been relegated

    Venelles also in problems


    Why french league has many problems

    Quote from Jules

    cannes has been relegated

    Venelles also in problems


    Why french league has many problems

    I think Cannes is "temporary" as they have a chance to appeal to the financial authority or whatever they're called in France.


    Nantes will play in the second division and it seems everyone they signed (including coaches) were released. L'Equipe mentioned some American investor wanting to help them or something idk