Eric Elena, the founder and co-president of the Monaco Basket Association (MBA) received a gold medal from the President of the French Basketball Federation, Jean-Pierre Hunckler, during the Federation’s General Assembly on 3 October in Lyon.
“For me, this gold medal represents a recognition of the work accomplished collectively over the past 17 years. It is a source of great pride for the Monaco Basket Association, for the colours of the Principality, for Monegasque sport, and—more broadly—for Monegasque women’s basketball,” said Eric Elena.
The award recognizes Elena’s dedication to developing the sport within the Principality. He is the second MBA executive to receive the French Basketball Federation’s Gold Medal, following Stéphan Maggi a few years ago. Since its inception in 2009, the MBA has firmly established itself beyond Monaco and within the French women’s basketball landscape. The team currently competes in Ligue Féminine 2.
“This medal also belongs to everyone—institutions and partners alike—who has contributed over the years to the MBA’s growth and advancement,” said Eric Elena.
The French Federation’s award comes at a pivotal moment in the club’s history, as it continues to aim towards higher ambitions. During a press conference last month, the MBA discussed major changes to the club’s lineup before highlighting the MBA’s main goal: to ascend to Ligue Féminine 1 within two seasons.
New Players, New Captain, New Coach
Four new players were recently recruited to Monaco’s team, with Maud Sterviniou taking over as Captain this season, succeeding Lysa Millavet. The club also brought in Coach Emmanuel Body, a highly respected coach in the league, as well as two assistant coaches: Bertrand Delage, and Ali Traoré.
Elite U18 Team Launched
The MBA also launched an Elite U18 team this year. This initiative meets a requirement of the Ligue Féminine 1, and the club was eager to implement it quickly. The goal is to provide the first team with a reserve squad, and develop the players of tomorrow.
