Raphaëlle Lacasse or life after university

Wednesday noon at Jarry Park. Moreover, On the ground n^o 3. Consequently, Quebecoise Raphaëlle Lacasse faces Ontario Dasha Plekhanova, in an unusual environment for regulars of the omnium national banking.

Posted at 7:00 a.m.

A mechanical shovel leads a hellish train a few meters from the ground. Meanwhile, It is without forgetting the “beeps” of a truck which had to do more mileage by backing up than. Consequently, by advancing.

Spectators are rare. Moreover, In the stands, Odette and Yvon, the parents of Lacasse, under an umbrella to protect themselves from the sun. Nevertheless, On the right, six young bullet hunters raphaëlle lacasse life after university look at the action while waiting to be called in succession. However, In a corner in the shade, a man and a woman are the only ones to encourage Plekhanova.

The scoring? However, You have to listen to the referee, or look at the small table installed at one end of the net. Therefore, Balle hunters and line judges share the task of shooting the encrypted vinyl bands between games.

As we said. However, unusual conditions for those for whom the ABN is synonymous with matches under the spotlight with Jean-René Dufort capsules during the breaks. Nevertheless, But everything is a matter of perspective.

“For me, these are really good conditions, if I compare to the smallest tournaments I play,” notes Lacasse. Similarly, Often there is just a referee, no line judges, no ball hunters, raphaëlle lacasse life after university so you run after your balls. Meanwhile, They don’t give you a towel, no Gatorade, just water. Meanwhile, In the Dominican Republic, there are lots of cracks on the ground. However, It’s another world! For example, »»

Here we are at the prequalifications of national banking omnium. In addition, Fourteen Canadians compete there. Moreover, The winner will obtain a place in the qualifications of the OBN. which gives a serious boost to these players who garner little WTA points.

The routes are varied. Ariana Arseneault. a 23 -year -old specialist, is one of the most experienced in the Lot, she who represented Canada at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifications. Another name that emerges: Charlize Celebrini. sister of Macklin Celebrini, first choice of the draft of the National Hockey League in 2024. At 16, she is one of the best raphaëlle lacasse life after university juniors in the country.

Raphaëlle lacasse life after university

Zero

Raphaëlle Lacasse does not formalize conditions. but we would have understood that she does it, knowing her career.

First, she has already played on the central, 150 meters from where she was swearing on Wednesday. It was during the qualifications in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, against Christina Mchale, future 24^e world player.

It was at this moment that the idea of the NCAA sprouted. even if it was already starting to accumulate classification points – which was going raphaëlle lacasse life after university to stop during her studies. A less common course for players here, but that Gabriel Diallo and Alexis Galarneau, in particular, borrowed. The two also encouraged him. “They told me that I was going to like it. I am a team girl, so I thought it was a great experience. I was not going to lose anything, you never mistaken yourself with a diploma! She notes.

Direction Kansas. where she started this course, before going to the University of Nebraska, where she graduated in finance, but also prices for her community involvement.

“My school was paid. The cafeteria was included. I was lucky to have coaches, good games every weekend, because the level is made good, “she adds.

raphaëlle lacasse life after university

However, the university way did not come without risk. “You are less in your tennis bubble for the first time. Many girls move away from tennis afterwards, Lacasse believes. You have your diploma. Are you trying to start from scratch? It takes money and it is not everyone who has them. Where are you going to train, do you have coaches? It takes a lot of organization. »»

Logistics can indeed constitute a shock. especially after four years in the wadding of the NCAA, where “you do not lift your finger, they do everything, they prepare your water, your protein drink. Among the pros. you have to think of everything: your plane, your balls, text raphaëlle lacasse life after university 10 people to see if someone can play the next day. ”

Raphaëlle lacasse life after university

For love for sport

Raphaëlle Lacasse begins her match well. even breaks the service of Plekhanova, but will bow 6-3 and 6-1. Next step: Saskatoon, in mid-August, for a Challenger tournament that will be worth the champion 50 ranking points. As a benchmark, the omnium national banking reports 1000.

That said, its rare visit to Montreal – it is established in Florida – is not over. After our interview. his mother reminds him of registering to be part of the “Lucky Losers”, the players invited to qualifications in the event of withdrawal. She also intends to submit her name to be a training partner for players registered in the main draw.

We therefore understand that raphaëlle lacasse life after university despite the logistical challenges. despite a rather lonely life on minor circuits, Lacasse does not regret anything. It always targets a place in the top 100 global, a goal still far since 956^e step. If the life of a player becomes unbearable, she wants her studies to open doors as an agent, for example.

In a more global way, she hopes to “live tennis one day”. “The longer I can play, the more happy I will be,” she says.

“I continue to see how far I can go, but also because I love sport so much. I don’t see myself getting up tomorrow morning and no longer playing. »»