The Reims point guard, Lauryn Vieira (1.59 m, 24 years old), is the smallest player in the championship. Top assist leader of Ligue Féminine 2, she shows week after week that her height is not a handicap.
We rediscovered you last season in Reims in NF1, after five years in the United States. What motivated you at the time?
After a season in Annemasse in NF1, it was a former teammate I met in Switzerland who encouraged me to go. She became my assistant coach in a Junior College in Kansas (Northwest Kansas Technical College). She helped me a lot because in terms of language, I started from zero. It was a small campus. I adapted quickly because I am very sociable. After two years, I went to NCAA Division II in Florida.
You were named Player of the Year of your conference at Eckerd University, three times Best Defender. What does basketball look like in NCAA Division II?
It is much less physical and less intense than here. But it is a more organized half-court game. There was only one American in the team. Personally, it was a bit like a second family. It feels good when you are far from your loved ones.
Once you had your degree, what was the plan?
It was really to come back to France and play at the highest level. I try to go little by little. At first it was hard, even basketball-wise. It took some time to adapt. And then, on top of that, living alone, adapting to a new routine. From Christmas, it was settled.
In addition to being the spearhead of the best NF1 team, your personality has won everyone over in Reims. How did you experience this first season?
First of all, I am happy to have been part of a team that was promoted in the first year. A team that reflected a bit my personality, joyful, wanting to give itself. It was one of my best years in France. We got along very well with the coach from the start.
Did you worry about the change of division?
Not really. The general level of Ligue Féminine 2 has dropped a bit compared to last year because some players moved up to La Boulangère Wonderligue. Many are discovering Ligue Féminine 2 like me, so I wasn’t really afraid of that.
You continue to fill all the stat columns: top assist leader in Ligue 2 (6.5), fourth best in steals (3.1), best evaluation on your team (13.3)…
It is my goal to show what I can do and prove to people that my height doesn’t mean anything. Before, I got criticized a lot for that. Now, it is kind of my challenge.
Indeed, you are the smallest player in the championship but you are very strong. Do you compensate your lack of centimeters with your physical volume?
I try not to get posted up (laughs). I always try to switch with the girls on the team if I find myself in a post-up. Everyone tries but, for now, it is not really a problem.
This is only your second season in France. You are not yet 25. Do you consider that you still have a good margin of progression?
Of course, there is always room to progress. My goal is to join La Boulangère WonderLigue so I need to progress. I have had this goal for a long time, and maybe even play for the French national team one day. It is always in the back of my mind.
Les Pétillantes are having a good season (6th with 13-9). Relegation is secured. Playoff qualification is on track. Is there a chance to go far in the playoffs this season?
Yes, there is a chance because we are a very good team. We scare everyone a little everywhere. We have dangers from the point guard to the post. Everyone is beatable in Ligue Féminine 2 this year. There is no team higher than the others. We can do something.
Statements collected during an interview conducted by Basketball Magazine
Picture Manon Lahaye / Champagne Basket Féminin