Less than a month after her meniscus surgery, Julie Allemand showed up smiling at the LA Sparks’ media day — calm, confident, and clearly eager to begin her new WNBA journey.
On April 19, the Belgian Cat underwent meniscus surgery in Los Angeles, cutting her season with Fenerbahçe short. Yet rather than slowing her down, the setback seems to have fueled her motivation even more.
“I’m just really happy to finally be back in the WNBA,” Allemand said with a grin. “I was supposed to be here last summer, but my ankle surgery kept me out. Now I’m ready for a fresh start.”
Her knee may not be fully recovered, but her excitement is undeniable. “Even though I’m still injured, I’m so pumped for this season. Everything here feels new — a new team, a new culture, a new challenge. I have a chance to help make history with this group, and that’s really exciting.”
When asked about her leadership style, Allemand paused, then answered with quiet confidence:
“I’m naturally a silent leader — I like to lead by example. But I think it’s time for me to use my voice a bit more, especially as a point guard.”
Describing herself as both “a winner” and “a team-first player,” she admitted that her unselfish style sometimes draws criticism. “People often tell me I should look for my own shot more, but passing has always been my first instinct,” she said with a laugh.
And when the press conference took a lighter turn, Allemand didn’t hesitate when asked which celebrity she’d like to see courtside in LA: “Kylian Mbappé. I’m a big fan — he’s welcome to come watch anytime.”
The Los Angeles Sparks open their season on May 17 against the Golden State Valkyries — the brand-new team featuring her Belgian national teammates Kyara Linskens and Julie Vanloo. It’s shaping up to be a special matchup — a Belgian Cats reunion on American soil.
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