Elise Prodhomme to Make History as First Female Head Coach in French Men's Pro Basketball with Vichy

JA Vichy Basket has officially announced that Élise Prodhomme will assume the role of head coach for its professional team starting next season, following the conclusion of the current one. This appointment represents a historic milestone for French men's professional basketball, as she becomes the first woman to lead a team at this level.

After two seasons at the helm of the professional squad, Dounia Issa has decided to embark on a new professional venture, which he will join at the end of the current season.

Elise Prodhomme, whose father was a former player for JALT Le Mans, also enjoyed a career as a professional player, notably with Angers, Calais, and Aulnoye. Following her playing days, she meticulously built an impressive coaching career. Since 2021, she has served as the head coach for JDA Dijon's Espoirs (reserve) team. Her national and international accolades include leading the French U20 women's national team to a European Championship title in 2023, and subsequently guiding the French U18 men's national team to a European Vice-Championship in 2025.

The native of Le Mans has signed a two-year contract with JAV.

Dounia Issa: "There's never an ideal time to announce one's departure. A few weeks ago, I was contacted about being part of a new basketball project. While I am very happy and fulfilled in Vichy, it was extremely difficult to decline such an opportunity. I therefore decided to inform my President, Guillaume Sereaud, of my wish to move forward and not honor my final year of contract with JAV. I want to thank Guillaume and all the club's management for trusting me two years ago to take charge of the team. A huge thank you to the players, both current and former, whom I've had the pleasure of coaching, and to the staff—Anthony Boutillier and Alexis Pradon (and Guillaume Soares, a little thought)—with whom we collaborated incredibly to help our young players progress. Thanks also to our many supporters who passionately and kindly come to cheer us on. My gratitude extends to all our partners for their unwavering support over so many years. Of course, I wish Élise all the best for next season. She embodies the values dear to our club—commitment, sharing, and the demands of high-level performance—and I am convinced she will do an excellent job. For now, I remain fully committed and focused on the end of our season, where we aim to secure our qualification for the playoffs to make this season a truly beautiful success. Thank you all again and see you very soon courtside, GO JAV!"

Élise Prodhomme: "I am very happy and enthusiastic to join JAV's ambitious project, whose strong values of hard work and high standards perfectly align with my own. I wish to thank the President for his trust and commitment to me, as well as JDA for my journey and the support provided at their training center. I can't wait to start working within JAV, a historic club in French basketball, to continue Dounia's excellent work, and to discover the fervor and incredible support of the public at Pierre Coulon. See you very soon."