Septembre 2002... Article consacré à Yannick dans Talent sportsletter (Aus)...

Source: TALENT on-line sportsletter

We take a moment off from our traditional role to say a few words about one of basketball's all time greats, YANNICK SOUVRE. She isn't a client of SIM, she is simply a friend, and a role model for all aspiring professionals.

SIM's first ever client, ALICIA POTO, has, to a very large measure, Yannick to thank for reaching the pinnacle of the pro game in Europe. While the excellent coaching of Olivier Hirsh has been vitally important, during her two years to date with the Continent's most successful club of recent times, "Yannick taught me all she knows about being a true professional and a clever one".

As for the writer of these words, the occasions I've had the pleasure of meeting Yannick and chatting with her were marked by a candour and an eagerness to help and encourage which has never been less than memorable.

Now, after 243 caps for France over a period of 13 years - the last in what must have been an emotional 35 second appearance against Australia at the World Championships yesterday - the player many have described as Europe's greatest point guard, has called an end to her international career. Yannick told us in Sydney earlier this month, that the current World Championships will be her last international tournament. It is a crying shame that the end had to come a little prematurely, because of injury.

Our sport will be the poorer for Yannick's absence from the international spotlight. Mind you, opponents won't be able to sit back and relax - there is still her beloved Bourges and the challenge of the Euroleague, not to mention the French League. And our Alicia can continue to pick up clues for a while yet on how to be the best in her chosen profession.

Off the court, there is Yannick's growing involvement with FIBA, where she is charged with running the committee looking after the interests of women basketball players worldwide. FIBA could not have made a better choice!

Yannick Souvre was considered by some too outspoken, others were in two minds about her strongly expressed opinions and unflinching determination in the hurly burly of competition. I have not the slightest doubt that these characteristics will all stand her in good stead when she eventually decides to concentrate entirely on safeguarding the interests of women players around the world.

But, not just as yet. We will still continue to enjoy the sight of Yannick Souvre in full blooded action at the very highest club levels available.

If you get a chance to be there and see it live - don't miss it, whatever you do!

At last year's European Championship final against Russia - and in front of a home crowd in Le Mans that was in carnival mode throughout - the French point guard with the trademark blond ponytail put on a clinic, a veritable tour de force, putting on a show for all the world to see what she is like at her very best. I consider it a privilege to have been there, to see this superb display by a great player captaining a marvellous team and I'll never forget those couple of hours. Nor will the other 5500 fortunate onlookers.

MERCI YANNICK! - Peter Scott SIM