© Getty Images via AFP / (inzet: Instagram)
Julie Vanloo has spoken out for the first time about her painful departure from the Golden State Valkyries, a WNBA team, the day after her victory at the Women’s EuroBasket with the Belgian Cats: “I understand that’s business, but nothing prepares you for the loneliness after a cut.”
“Two days ago, I became a European champion. The next day, I was released from the Valkyries,” the point guard wrote on Instagram. “After an 18-hour journey, I missed the ceremony with the fans and the opportunity to share the joy of the medal with my family and friends. Honestly, it stings.”
“I understand that’s business, but nothing prepares you for the loneliness after a cut. It’s like the whole world is crashing down on your shoulders.”
“What hurts the most is what I’m going to miss,” Vanloo continued. “The team, the fans, Ballhalla (the nickname for the arena where the Valkyries play). From the very first game, the Valks fans showed me love. I saw people wearing my jersey. I felt that energy every time I stepped onto the court at Chase Center. I felt right at home. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I wore that jersey with immense pride.”
© IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Instagram
Vanloo also turned to the personal side of things. She stated that she holds no grudges. “Thank you, Golden State Valkyries, for this opportunity. I’m not going to be bitter; that’s not who I am. I’m grateful, and I’m letting love guide me. That’s who I am.”
“I’ve come a long way. From dreaming of this league to hoping to one day be selected. And I will never forget that you took me and believed in me. Being cut is so painful because I was part of something special. I will be eternally grateful.”
She then turned to her teammates. “I have tears in my eyes as I write this. This team is made up of incredibly beautiful souls. Each and every one of you has a place in my heart. I will cherish this experience forever.”
© Getty Images via AFP
“I am currently overwhelmed with emotions and need time to process everything. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me; my phone hasn’t stopped ringing. I will respond as soon as possible, but please know that your messages have helped me persevere and continue to believe in myself, to embark on a new beginning.”
“Trust the process. Always. And you all know it: I never give up.”
Julie Vanloo had decided before the Women’s EuroBasket to join the Belgian national team, despite the ongoing WNBA season. Her teammate on the American courts, Kyara Linskens, who decided in early June to leave the Valkyries to play next season for Dynamo Kursk (Russia), as well as Julie Allemand, a member of the Los Angeles Sparks, had also made this choice.
They contributed to the Belgian Cats’ second consecutive European Championship title, thanks to their victory on Sunday evening against Spain. The national team members returned to Belgium late Monday afternoon, were received by King Philippe, and were then celebrated by the public in Brussels’ Grand-Place. Julie Vanloo, like Julie Allemand, was not present and had flown directly to the United States.
