French Softball Champions

It took just two games on Saturday for the Grenoble Grizzlys to claim the Division 1 French Softball Championship title.

The scores were tight each time, the games fast-paced. Defenses were pushed to their limits, but the power of Grenoble’s pitching made the Pharaonnes of Evry Cournon d’Auvergne’s bats tremble. The regular season hierarchy was respected. The first match, won 3-2, sealed the deal for the Grizzlys. The Pharaonnes fought back in the second game, but the Grenoble side kept piling on the runs to win 13-10.

The Isère club is now among the elite. After winning the 2022 French Challenge, tasting the joy of top-level competition in the European Cup by winning their first match this year, they are now, for the first time in the club’s history, French champions.

Let’s meet them to find out their feelings after this title:

The coach, Vincent Costes:

This team has reached the culmination of a journey that began six years ago. We started at the bottom to reach this title; this kind of victory is built with defeats. And this weekend, despite an Evry team that never gave up, the Grizzlys collective never broke to win this long-awaited title. I am a proud coach of each of the players because, despite the stakes, they took their responsibilities. I also want to thank Océane and Damien, who greatly contributed to this success; alone, you go faster, but together, you go further.

Océane Randrianomanana, 1st base coach:

This final is the culmination of a season of personal and sporting investment for each of the players present. It’s a victory we’ve built together, and I’m proud to be a Grizzly. A few years ago, few people would have bet on us… today, we’ve done it!

Damien Garcia, mental coach

This Final was, for us, the culmination of all the mental work put in place during the season. All these reflections on our deep identity, our values, communication, collective mindset, pre-game routines were aimed at preparing us to play, and win, a French Championship Final. This Final was the first in the club’s history, what’s more, at home. And when you work mentally, you always have that doubt about whether the foundations that have been laid are strong enough to face such a deadline. This group exudes a lot of strength and character and has shown beautiful mastery in key moments. The girls responded admirably to this very special event. I am extremely happy and proud of our collective and the way we managed psychologically this Final.

Now, let’s hear from the PLAYERS:

Lilian Miagawa, shortstop

Participating in the French Championship final at home was an emotionally rich and memorable experience. The games were tight and played out until the last out. We ended our beautiful season in an incredible way and affirmed the importance of a solidary collective that aims for a common goal. Where every piece of the puzzle was fundamental, and this includes the presence of volunteers and supporters who backed the team. I am happy to have participated in a hard-fought final, with two super-competent teams that showed their desire to win the matches from start to finish.

Clelia Costes, pitcher

For me, this title crowns our beautiful season; we have achieved our objectives, which were to maintain a European spot, to go and win the French Championship final (a historic first for the D1 team). We fought until the end; it was two beautiful and big games against Evry. I am proud of my team and the path we have traveled together!

Alina Kahlo, center fielder:

It was two great games, adrenaline at its peak throughout! A day full of emotions, we’ve worked hard to get here, we’ve made huge progress in recent months! I’m super proud of the girls and the beautiful collective we’ve built and strengthened since the start of the season. A big bravo to the Evry team, who never gave up and forced us to stay focused, solid, and fighting until the end. French champions, we’re going to savor these words for a little while!