Meet Mercedes « Mechi » Paganini
Mechi: always in control, even under pressure (Servette HC – Stade Lausanne, October 2015)
Hi Mechi, it’s been now over 6 months that you arrived in Geneva. It’s your first long-term stay in Europe (if I’m not mistaken?). What was your first reaction when you landed in Geneva?
Yes it’s my first time as professional player in Europe! Since I’ve been to Europe before (always in holidays) it’s my first time in Geneva ,Switzerland. What can I say? The only thing that people keep on telling me about Switzerland is that it is middle of Europe and that it’s one of the most expensive countries. With that on mind, I landed on this beautiful city! Thankfully the weather in my first week here went really good and I can explore the beautiful landscape that Geneve have to offer: from walks around the lake, seeing the famous Jet d’eau and going up to the Saleve mountain to see the whole city! You have so many things to do in summer and also in winter that you never get bored! For the moment, it was an amazing time here.
What where your impressions after your first training with Servette?
I arrived and two players pick me up in the airport (Lena and Matt). We went directly to the pitch, to the Stade de Richemont. When I arrived, a Saturday by midday, the whole team was waiting for me. It was really nice. They trained in the morning and they had their second part in the afternoon. They invited me to train but as you imagine after 18 hours of trip, I was really in another galaxy! But I watch it and I find it really interest and intense! Next Tuesday I was ready to start!
Defending with style (Servette HC – RW Wettingen, June 2015)
You started to play with the Women 1st Team and have taken your position in the center back. How has the team evolved since your arrival and what where the ambitions?
When I arrived they told me there was a group of players with different levels. I found it interesting and challenging. The team was in 6th position and the ambition was to finish 4th so we can play playoffs. We started winning our first match of the second part of the season and that keep us on road. Then we went to Lugano to play the Swiss Cup and our contrary was Rotweiss Wettingen, the strongest team in the Women’s LNA. Personally we made a very good match against them, we played as a team, everyone helping each other and we ended up the first half 1-1. It finished 3-1 for Rotweiss but we knew we did our best and yet we had a lot to focus and learn to continue this path. Along the championship, we achieved our ambition and ended up in 4th position and played, for the first time for Servette Ladies team, the famous playoffs! Everyone was really happy and confident with herself. Unfortunately, we faced Rotweiss and we couldn’t make it but personally I feel good knowing that the team left everything and more.
What are the key differences between Argentinian and Swiss hockey?
Argentinian hockey is more technical and less physical. It´s also more offensive rather than defensive; you are all the time in the area rival.
Going forward (Servette HC – RW Wettingen, June 2015)
You are not only a player, but you also train the little juniors at Servette? How is the next generation doing?
I trained the little ones: under 6 and under 8 years old, and it’s a pleasure to go to every training. Not only because I love kids but also because it’s an age where you need to mix fun with hockey. They need to start developing their own skills, be aware of the positions in the field and most of all, play as a team. And to tell you the truth, it’s amazing how they improved in a couple of weeks, girls and boys! We also played different tournaments and they almost won all the matches, playing really good. I’m so proud of them.
It’s not only about kids but also about their parents… As I know that you’re their favourite coach. They get together once a week to learn hockey. How is it going?
At the beginning, a group of parents wanted to learn this sport that their kids were so into it. Also, they wanted to bit them on the tournament during the Servette Day… So I started with 5 parents and I finished with almost 12. It was a challenge for me because some of they used to play when they were young and others, never. But after a few months, training every Thursday night in less than a quarter of pitch, they really improved and the most important thing, they also come for fun and they enjoy it!
So, your are not only playing hockey in Geneva… What are your other occupations and passions? How do you feel in our city?
I finished my bachelor in Economics in Argentina but I needed a break. A break of economics but not of hockey. I always wanted to do this experience of playing abroad but with my studies it wasn’t possible. When I was in school I used to learn French, so when I decided to come to Geneve I thought it was a great opportunity to return on my French and improve it. I did a course and try to practise in every training with the little ones, the parents and also with the Women’s team. Je peux te dire que je parle un petit peu français!
I heard you also have travelled quite a lot around Europe?
Yes and amazing trips! Europe is sooo big. And you need to explore it. I had the opportunity to travel with friends to Italy, France, Croatia, Denmark, Belgium. I also had the opportunity to meet with my father and brother in London and watch the semifinal between Argentina and Australia, in the Rugby World Cup. An incredible experience with a lot of Argentinians, so I feel at home for a couple of days! Later I continued the journey with my brother and visit 5 capitals in only 2 weeks, all by car! (Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Vaduz and Bern). As you can imagine, I love travelling!
Visiting Europe with her brother (November 2015)
Back to our favourite sport. Now that the indoor season has started, I guess you are taking a small sport break? What are your plans and projects?
I never played indoor before, as in Argentina is not really popular and the outdoor season is longer over there. So I started training with the girls, not to lose rhythm. And maybe I play this weekend [Swiss Championship 1st round in Geneva, 29th November]. I’m so happy to experience this new sport. But I’m not going to stay because next Wednesday [2nd December] I’m travelling to India! I’m going to meet Hanna (also a player of Servette Ladies Team) in Rajasthan to do a voluntarism program in the English Medium School called Hockey Village Campus. We are (Hanna has been there for almost one month and a half ) going to teach English in the morning and hockey in the afternoon. I couldn’t be happier! And later travel around India, Thailand and Indonesia. I can’t wait of it!
What are your ambitions for next Spring?
I’m coming back to Geneve on March and wishing to do some skiing. I love skiing and I can´t leave Switzerland without doing it. Later I have to check if I’m staying a couple of months more or return to Argentina.
Is there a question you are missing?
I don’t think so; I let you know most of my life in a couple of sentences [laughing]. But please let me thank the Reinhardus family; for let me stay in their house and treat me like another daughter, and the whole Servette family (parents, trainers, women and men players) for making this experience, the best experience ever! I couldn’t be happier. Thank you!
Servette Boys & Girls coming back from Olten by train after the last game day (October 2015)
Thank you Mechi for this interview, and have a safe trip in Asia!
Interview: Pascal Zimmermann
