At the mention of the ceremony in her honor, where her mother will accompany her, the sports director of Basket Landes gives a slight grimace, with a somewhat shy look. It wouldn’t be accurate to say the woman from Tarbes is shy, but being in the spotlight is definitely not her cup of tea, she easily admits. “Of course, it’s nice, I feel grateful. But individual honors, well… I don’t really like that. It’s great, I think I made my mark in sports, at one point. But at the same time, you celebrate something from the past, I don’t play anymore. It feels strange, still.”
“She is very calming” In fact, when she recounts how she found out the news, it’s clear the point guard almost missed out on the event without much regret. “Someone from Fiba tried to call me several times. But when I don’t recognize the phone number, I don’t answer! They eventually managed to reach me through someone I know who told me: ‘Answer, it’s for something nice.’ It must be said that Celine Dumerc really didn’t expect it. ‘Oh no, not at all!’ she swears. I didn’t even know there were going to be nominations.”
Enthusiasm can be found among the members of Basket Landes, starting with the players. Yohana Ewodo’s smile widens. “I am very happy for her, it’s crazy as a distinction! We are extremely proud to have her by our side. She is particularly valuable during the games, but also before or after. She is always there to say a few words. She is very calming,” reveals the winger. A worthy successor to a number 9 inseparable from the former Basket Landes player (2017-2023) and former leading figure of the French national team (262 caps), even though she evolves in a completely different way, Myriam Djekoundade assures: “It’s so deserved! She had a very inspiring career for many young girls, pushing them to do sports, to believe in themselves. With my number 9, I try to live up to it.”
“Super thorough” The final word goes to their president, Audrey Lacroix, who was informed by the official statement, “Celine didn’t tell us anything,” she chuckles, not surprised at all. “It’s the extraordinary recognition of what she represented for basketball: game intelligence, leadership. Today, she is the same in her role: serious, precise, meticulous, demanding, super thorough. It’s a real strength to have her with us.” And beyond her role as sports director? “Of course, she shines the name of BL. We benefit from her image and it’s a real asset, especially with sponsors. It’s also a real support for Julie (Barennes, the coach) in recruitment. Not only does her opinion matter, but she can explain to a player exactly how things will go here. We hope to keep her as long as possible.”
