Guichet Unlimited: Reflecting on the journey of the first group of student-athletes

Kendrick Jean-Joseph: Between resilience and ambition

Athlete of the French Fencing Team

The start of the 2025 season marked a turning point for Kendrick Jean-Joseph. After an intense training period, his club won the Club Cup, a trophy he had dreamed of getting since childhood.

Despite a wrist injury during the previous season, Kendrick Jean-Joseph managed to secure his selection for the 2025 World University Games, where he had the honor of being the flag bearer for the French delegation.

To recharge, Kendrick spent the summer in Martinique, where he organized, through his association, the Kendrick JEAN-JOSEPH camp, a biennial event bringing together the best young fencers from the Caribbean. This commitment is particularly close to his heart: he wants to help emerging talents and open the doors to high-level competition.

At the start of the season, he resumed training at INSEP and his courses at EM Lyon with two clear goals: to qualify for the World Championships in Hong Kong and to complete his third year of his bachelor’s degree.

The season started promisingly: European club champion with Levallois Sporting Club, then a bronze medal in the second national event. These results earned him a spot in the first world event of the season, held in Vancouver (Canada). His team took second place and a beautiful silver medal.

“Thank you again for your support; this story wouldn’t be the same without you…” concludes Kendrick Jean-Joseph, with his characteristic determination.

Noa Coudre: Patience and perseverance at the heart of the game

Rugby Sevens Player on the French National Team

Recent months have been marked by a recovery period for Noa Coudre following a shoulder injury. A difficult stage for an athlete accustomed to the intensity of competitions, but one she faces with determination.

Before this forced break, Noa Coudre experienced a memorable summer: she won the SuperSevens, the prestigious national rugby sevens tournament, with her Bobigny team.

At the beginning of September, she returned to training with the French team, ready to regain her best level and contribute to upcoming international events. Despite the obstacles, Noa Coudre remains focused on her goals and keeps her passion for rugby intact.

Lola Tambourin: A season full of twists and challenges

Basketball Player at Gerland Club

Since April 2025, Lola Tambourin’s journey has seen many twists and turns. She was playing for ASVEL Villeurbanne Féminin, but the club was dissolved this summer due to financial issues, shortly after the closure of the professional team that competed in Nationale 1. A late and surprising announcement, especially since a new roster and staff had been announced for the upcoming season in Nationale 3.

This situation forced Lola Tambourin to quickly find a new club, as most teams had already finalized their rosters. She eventually joined Gerland Club in August, just before preseason training. There, she is involved in a dual project: Regional and Nationale 3, as the roster was already complete when she arrived.

On the academic side, everything is going well at the start of her third year: exams are approaching, and she has already begun looking for an internship for next year. A clear sign of her ability to bounce back and stay on track despite unexpected challenges.

Alper Dogan: From Nice to Bastia, a journey leading to Paris

Goalkeeper at Olympique Lyonnais Futsal

Alper Dogan is currently playing in French Ligue 2 with Chassieu Décines FC. Every weekend, his team fights to stay at the national level. In November, they traveled to Bastia to face Furiani’s futsal team.

But Alper Dogan doesn’t limit himself to the league: he also represents EM Lyon in university competitions. He went to Nice for a futsal qualifying round. Two matches played—against Nice and Grenoble—and two victories that allowed his team to finish first in the group.

Thanks to these successes, EM Lyon is now qualified for the final stage, scheduled for March in Paris, where it will face other business schools that have qualified. A dual role that perfectly illustrates Alper’s determination to shine on every field.

Elisa Rambaud: More playing time and a growing role

Professional Footballer at Montpellier Hérault Sport Club (MHSC)

This season marks significant progress for Elisa Rambaud. Still wearing the colors of MHSC Women, she plays in the Arkema Première Ligue and now enjoys much more playing time than last year. This evolution allows her to fully express herself on the pitch and continue reaching new milestones.

The squad has become younger this year, setting a clear objective: secure survival and aim for the best possible ranking. Despite this renewal, the team shows solid play and encouraging performances. The latest example: the match against Paris FC, third in the league. Despite a 2-1 defeat, a draw would not have been undeserved.

On the academic side, everything is going perfectly for Elisa Rambaud. Her program remains adapted to her athlete’s schedule, allowing her to balance studies and high-level sport without compromise.

David Ikanga-Bolemo: When basketball becomes a passport to the future

Professional Basketball Player and Former Student of the Tony Parker Academy

In early September, David Ikanga-Bolemo left for the United States with his agent and another player. He quickly began intensive training, continuing the momentum of his three years at the Tony Parker Academy. The game in the U.S.A., however, proved more demanding, especially mentally, which allowed him to develop new skills.

Over the weeks, David Ikanga-Bolemo had the opportunity to train with college coaches, under the eyes of recruiters impressed by his potential. An experience that opens promising prospects for him.

Back in France, David Ikanga Bolemo refocused on his studies. He is actively preparing his CV and interviews for his internship scheduled for early 2026.

And that’s not all: he was recently contacted by coaches from Kentucky, eager to include him in their roster for the next season. An opportunity that could mark a new turning point in his career.

Lorna Chicha: A year full of challenges and opportunities

Professional Football Player at Olympique Lyonnais

Lorna Chicha was part of the first Guichet Unlimited group. Although she chose not to continue her studies at EM Lyon, leading to her withdrawal from the program for the coming years, she retains strong memories of the experience. She says she was honored to represent the foundation and to attend the meeting at EM Lyon in the presence of Olivier Sadran, whom she describes as “an extremely inspiring person.”

Grateful for having received the Foundation Unlimited scholarship, Lorna Chicha continues her journey with determination. On the sporting side, she plays with the Olympique Lyonnais reserve team in Division 3 and had the opportunity to train with the professional squad, notably during the summer preparation in August.

Academically, Lorna Chicha has not abandoned her ambitions: she is currently pursuing her third-year studies at GEM, where everything is going perfectly.

This first year of Guichet Unlimited illustrates the strength of support designed for high-level athletes. Despite injuries, club changes, or personal challenges, each athlete has managed to forge their path with determination. Their progress demonstrates the importance of this program: offering opportunities, supporting ambitions, and preparing for the future. As the next group of athletes has been selected, one certainty remains: the Guichet Unlimited will continue to be a catalyst for success, on the field and in the classroom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• A Guichet Unlimited for high-level athletes
• Guichet Unlimited: Olivier Sadran shares his vision
• Guichet Unlimited: The young athletes introduce themselves
• Kendrick Jean-Joseph – FF Escrime
• COUDRE Noa – France 7 Féminin – Fédération Française de Rugby
• Élisa RAMBAUD | Fédération Française de Football (FFF) | Site Officiel