The AS Monaco women’s volleyball team is making a name for itself in the world of sports, building on the momentum of last year’s French Championship victory. Founded in 1952, the Monaco Volleyball Sports Association is part of the Côte d’Azur league and the French volleyball federation. The women’s volleyball team became the first professional women’s team in the Principality. They competed in Women’s Elite (the French second division) during the 2017-2018 and 2020-2022 seasons and are currently competing in Nationale 2.
Under the thoughtful leadership of Coach Eva Hamzaoui and the enthusiastic guidance of Captain Alexandra Erhart, the team is enjoying an impressive winning streak this season.
To learn more about what drives this talented group, we spoke to Eva and Alexandra about their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
HM: Eva, how would you describe your coaching style, and how does it fit with the values of AS Monaco?
Eva: I focus on getting to know each player individually. It’s important for me to understand their strengths and what they need to feel supported. I believe in being open and approachable, while also maintaining some discipline and clear expectations.
Alexandra Erhart: That’s true. Eva really cares about us as people. She balances support with the rules we all need to follow, which helps create a positive environment.
HM: What aspects of Monaco’s culture do you bring into the team’s environment?
Eva: I try to create a family-like atmosphere where everyone supports each other. That sense of trust and unity is really important for our success.
Alexandra: Absolutely, our strong team chemistry makes it a great place to play, and it helps us perform well together on the court.
HM: How do you support local players in their growth?
Eva: Communication is key. I spend time talking with each player to understand how they’re feeling and what they need, which helps them improve both personally and in their game.
Alexandra: Eva’s interest in us as individuals really makes a difference. She helps us grow not just as players but as people, and that’s something special.
HM: How do you prepare your team to handle the pressure of representing AS Monaco?
Eva: I focus on being clear about what I expect from each player. When they understand their roles and the reasons behind my decisions, it helps them feel more confident under pressure.
HM: What challenges have you faced, especially regarding funding?
Alexandra: Balancing our goals as a family club with our ambitions at a professional level can be tough. We’re working hard to find sponsors who can support both our youth programs and our professional team.
Eva: It’s definitely a challenge, but our players are dedicated to reaching out for support. We all want to make sure our club continues to grow and succeed, not just for ourselves but for the entire community.
HM: What are your goals for the AS Monaco volleyball team?
Alexandra: Right now, we want to be French champions again and move up to a higher division.
Eva: It takes a lot of hard work and teamwork from everyone to achieve this.
HM: What inspires you as a coach?
Eva: The passion and commitment of the players inspire me every day. Their determination motivates me to be the best coach I can be.
HM: What do you hope to achieve at AS Monaco?
Eva: I want to build a strong and successful program that leaves a lasting impact on the community.
Alexandra: My goal is to help elevate the team and inspire future generations of volleyball players in Monaco.
Under the leadership of Coach Eva Hamzaoui, the AS Monaco women’s volleyball team shows hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of community. Their focus goes beyond just winning games; it’s about growing together and supporting one another. With their recent success, including winning the championship of France in 2024, Monaco has every reason to be proud of this talented team, and we look forward to following their exciting path this season!
