Quimper Volley 29: the “first time” interview with Pauline Martin

First impression of Quimper?

I had already come to play here, there was a good audience. I was at France Avenir, Quimper was in the Elite, we were leading two to zero and they woke up and made us understand that we were young people (laughs). I remember the atmosphere. Also with Istres for the Final Four of the cup. About the city, I was a little doubtful about leaving my south (Editor’s note: Pauline Martin is from the Albi region), but I confirm that Brittany is beautiful, I really appreciated Quimper when I arrived, the center -city, very pleasant, very pretty. And the weather was nice when I arrived.

First idol in sport?

I didn’t really have any. But there are athletes that I admired, like Roger Federer. In volleyball, he was my idol, and now he is my brother-in-law, Benjamin Toniutti (Editor’s note: captain of the French volleyball team and double Olympic champion). He is a player who knew how to stand out from a very young age. I admired him and still admire him.

First steps in volleyball?

In Cadalen in Tarn, near Albi. I was six years old, I started volleyball because my sister Emilie played it, and I liked it. I did gym before but it wasn’t very successful. And I’m not a big fan of individual sports.

First coach who made an impact on you?

André Sa, Nancy’s current coach. He was my coach in Istres for three years after my year in Finland. He has this instinct to understand the players, a way of working that is difficult to explain. He has an imposing charisma. I still have a good relationship with him. He was the first who showed me that he really wanted to work with me. I progressed a lot with him.

First professional match?

With Béziers in 2013. A stressful moment against Mulhouse. I returned to the service, with pressure. Then, on the pitch, we were only young people, it was very enjoyable. We even managed to pick up points and win the match.

First paycheck?

Also in Béziers. Not huge but I was very happy to be paid to do what I loved. When you’re in high school, it’s hyperflattering to tell yourself that you’re in the big leagues. I was careful so I didn’t burn it.

First tear in this job?

Still in Béziers, the first year. In the play-off, in the semi-final, against Nantes. The support match at home, we were eliminated in the tie-break. That was the first hard blow after a big season. At home, in front of my family and my sister, who came specially from Italy. The same year, we also lost in the final of the Coupe de France youth.

First joy?

My first Champions League match with Béziers. We play against the best clubs in Europe. It was against Baku, a big club, with great players. And this Champions League music on the presentations is something that gives you chills. We had lost.

First insult?

It started very young (laughs). It was with the young French team, against foreigners. I’m not someone who cheats, I don’t like it when people do it to me, but I have a little character, if they look for me… But in volleyball, there’s a lot of respect. I haven’t known girls who pushed me to the limit. Who put me to bed, yes.

First job after sports career?

I think about it and I work on it. I would love to be in communications for a club. Last year, I took a Master’s degree in marketing communication management in sport, remotely.

Practical

Quimper Volley 29-Bordeaux, Saturday October 5, at 8 p.m., at the Ergué-Armel sports hall, in Quimper. Note that this match, like all those in League A, is broadcast live on the pay channel LNV TV.