Laia Palau: "People's push is a very important factor"

Spar Girona | Friday, 03 January 2025

How do you see the evolution of Uni Girona CB over these 20 years?

I didn’t live through the beginnings, but I understand that this club has made a considerable evolution, becoming one of the important names at a national level. I think it is a respected entity. Perhaps I would highlight this special romanticism that the club and its people have. We have achieved it: there is a part of the population that has identified very much with this project. Great players have come, and we have always been available to compete for titles. I hope that this continues, as it is a great way to represent Girona.

What do you think have been the key moments in the club’s history?

Every step has been important to get where we are now. Getting promoted to the Women’s League, winning the first league, the second… The titles are key moments. But I would also value other milestones, like playing in the Euroleague or having players like Petrovic, Xargay or Gray defending our shirt. These names have left a significant mark on the club’s history.

How would you define the Girona fans and their role in these 20 years?

Since I arrived, Fontajau has been incredible. There have been very special moments, like those magical nights against Avenida, where Fontajau was dressed in full. That is unforgettable. What happens is that now it is more common, and we cannot lose this energy, neither we nor the fans. The push of the people is a very important factor for the players and for attracting new talents here.

What has being part of this project brought you, on a personal and professional level? Do you have any special memories that you hold dear from this club?

When I received the offer from Uni and accepted it, I always said that I had done a lot of things before and that I was returning home to prepare for retirement. I identified a lot with the project. Girona is the second city where I have lived the longest, it is my home. Personally, it is the place I have chosen to live for the moment. I can work at Uni and also at Bàsquet Girona, two powerful clubs where I find my place. For me, having them hang up my shirt or trust me with another task has been the greatest tribute.

I felt very welcomed. The club is growing and I like this way of doing things together. All the memories I have are special.

What values ​​do you believe are essential for the club to continue growing and inspiring future generations?

I think that at Uni there are two very clear sides. On the one hand, we want to be competitive and we have become accustomed to winning titles, but we have also had to adjust to the reality of the new projects that are growing. On the other hand, we are a very family club. We have more than 160 sponsors who contribute their bit, and people feel the club is their own. That is very nice.

We have to keep fighting because promoting women’s sports is not easy. But as long as we get people to come to Fontajau and feel part of it, we will keep growing. I hope I can help maintain this spirit and drive.

How do you feel when you look back at everything that Uni Girona has achieved?

Gratitude and respect. It’s the place where I work and I have no words to describe how much I value it. In professional sport, this is a full-time dedication, and I look at it with passion. Being able to be with one of the best coaches in Europe this year, like Roberto, with all the technical staff and the people in the offices, and seeing that we all work every day with enthusiasm, is very nice.

It’s a place with a lot of growth potential. We are aware of our limitations and we know that this is sport, but we are trying to be a reference for everyone.

Is there a dream or challenge that you would like to see fulfilled by Uni Girona?

I would like to play in the Euroleague again. For me, that is prestige. Accessing another level of market, team, competition is more attractive and allows us to compete with the best. I would also like to place Uni among the great teams in Europe. I am aware that it is complicated and that it involves a significant cost in terms of budget, but, to dream, playing in a Final Four would be a beautiful dream.