Farewell to the court, after 24 years of handball, Lisa Crespin ends her career

She is a young retiree who answers our questions with an eternal smile.

At 31, Lisa Crespin has decided to definitively end her handball career. A final match played at the end of May with her long-time club, AS Cannes Mandelieu HB (N1) and the full-back, with a heavy heart, will begin a new life with her two men: Kevin (her future husband) and Alessio, almost 4 years old. The right time to enjoy every moment with family without doing one season too many. "I've reached the end of something ," says the young woman. "I started playing handball at the age of 7 in Cannes with my brother, Yohan. I did my entire youth career at this club. I played there for 18 years, not to mention Antibes and OGC Nice for a season. I'm stopping mainly to spend more time with my son, not to miss precious moments, impossible to catch up on... My sporting retirement? It's 80% for my son, my family life with Kevin." An exemplary teammate with a winning mentality, Lisa was unanimously acclaimed among her various teams for both her commitment and her determination.

Wedding in sight

"Thank you Lisa" soberly titled her club on Facebook with many comments saluting the player and the woman. Normal for the one who did not imagine for a second finishing her career on the bench despite an ankle injury. "This year has been complicated with a ruptured ankle ligament and a shoulder operation in 2024. For my last match, I gritted my teeth while emotionally it was also complicated…" A few days before the official end of her handball career, Lisa began to worry: "What am I going to do now? I'm going to go to the other world, that of the Muggles who no longer play sports! (laughs) But I'm giving myself time. We're going to prepare our wedding (September 6) , another baby on the way, my job (flooring sales )."

It's not easy to move on after 24 years of training, traveling, and matches. Crazy emotions and memories galore.

"24 years? I think that's huge, it goes by so quickly. I've experienced lots of promotions, titles, a season without a win... It's a roller coaster! I started to follow my brother and I never stopped," continues the left-back. "The values ​​of handball are everything I love: respect, solidarity, great competition. It's a healthy sport."

Future coach of the baby section

Lisa Crespin is leaving the court, but not the ASCMHB. She'll be heading up the baby-hand section next September. A first experience she's eagerly awaiting. You can't change your ways... "I've experienced some extraordinary moments, like winning the French Intercommittee Championship. I didn't want to be the annoying thirty-something!"

Before handing over to the youngsters, Lisa wanted to thank two key people in her sporting life. Starting with Fabrice Blonbou, "the coach of my career, in Cannes and Antibes, who taught me a lot about the handball and human side. But also Céline who trained me in Cannes. Finally, my greatest pride is coming back from my pregnancy with the D2 after losing 18kg! Woman, player and mother, you can do it!"