how this Brazilian woman integrated into Auvergne

In the first volleyball division, the Panthères de Chamalières, near Clermont-Ferrand, are counting on one of their summer recruits to continue to grow and progress in the French championship. Raquel Löff, a 30-year-old powerhouse, arrived in Auvergne from Brazil last summer.

That day was the last match of the year. Raquel Löff and her partners from the Panthères de Chamalières absolutely had to beat Bordeaux to move up the rankings. Nearly 2,000 spectators were at the Maison des sports in Clermont-Ferrand to encourage them. Among them, a handful of Brazilians from far away. The parents, the brother, the husband, carry the name of their protégé on them. They hope that the great Raquel will shine. Gabriel Castro, husband and supporter of Raquel Löff, explains: “We accompany him for all the matches. We are there by our presence or by our thoughts. We are like in a mirror. Raquel is on the field and we support her in the stands”. The match starts badly for the Panthers. Tensed up, they are overwhelmed by the Bordelaises. The first set was lost in a big way, 18 to 25, on a serve into the net from Raquel.

“She accepted this project”

On the morning of the match, the last training takes place. The 30-year-old Brazilian who has played in Ukraine, Slovakia and the Czech Republic knows that she has signed for a team under construction with young French players. His coach needs his experience, his rigor. Atman Toubani, coach of VBC Chamalières, says: “She knows that she is in a club which is not looking to shine straight away, which is in the process of building its bases. She accepted this project. Foreign players might wonder where they have fallen, that the club is giving playing time to French players, that it is ready to lose matches to help the players progress. Raquel integrated it and accepted it”.

Raquel Löff, central VBC Chamalières, indicates : “I think I'm here to be a player who sets an example, to bring my experience as a professional athlete, how we train, how we play every day, how to react to a difficult situation after a defeat, and to compete against big teams”. She continues: “I am from São Paulo, Brazil. I didn't want to live in a big city. Chamalières suits me. We're not in Paris. I really like the nature around here”.

Raquel did not arrive alone in Auvergne. Gabi, her childhood friend, became her husband, her main supporter, her “cheerleader” as he says. Raquel insists: “For many years I lived alone, far from my family, far from the people who love and support me. Having Gabi near me helps a lot”.

A father who advised her

For the end of year vacation, the rest of the family traveled. The mother, father and brother arrived from the Brazilian economic capital São Paulo. His father was a football player in his youth. André Victoria Da Silva, Raquel Löff’s father, emphasizes: “I had the chance to play a season in Portugal. I had this European experience and it was great for building me, not only as an athlete but as a person. I told my daughter to go to Europe to play a season. She took my advice and never came back”.

A family proud of its player

Back on the floor. The Chamalières team was off to a bad start, trailing one set to zero by Bordeaux. It's time to win. There is a set everywhere then two to one with a decisive Raquel for the Panthers. The less tense Chamalières team won an essential victory in four sets and sparked family pride. Raquel recalls: “We wanted to succeed today and present the best part of ourselves, for us, for our confidence but also for all the public who came”. Rosemarie Löff Da Silva, Raquel’s mother, specifies, taking her daughter in her arms: “It's a lot of love. She deserves it so much, I'm so proud of her. She makes so many sacrifices. It's only a championship victory but for me it's like a trophy”.

The season will still be long and difficult for the supporters' nerves. The Brazilian powerhouse which seems to like it here is in negotiations to extend its adventure in Auvergne.