Martina Capdevila: Granollers Handball star Eyes Historic Queen’s Cup on Home turf

Granollers native Martina capdevila Barbany (born 2001) is set for a momentous weekend as her hometown hosts the final phase of the Handball Queen’s Cup. Capdevila, a prolific scorer for KH-7 BM Granollers, dreams of capturing the title for the first time in the club’s history. They face Balonmano Morvedre in the quarterfinals on Friday.

At 23, Capdevila has already surpassed 500 league goals and currently leads the league in scoring. Now, she’s focused on securing a championship in front of her passionate local supporters. Her family’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Handball Granollers.

A City Steeped in Handball History

For those unfamiliar with Granollers, Capdevila explains the city’s deep connection to the sport: We always say that Granollers is the cradle of Catalan handball.I think it is a city where handball is breathed, where everyone knows that the team is vital and people, whenever they can, approach the pavilion when we have large matches. Granollers was the Olympic headquarters of this sport and we have many players. Handball has always been breathed here. We have a lot of history and very future.

Granollers hosted handball events during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics,solidifying its place as a handball stronghold,much like how Green Bay,Wisconsin,is synonymous with American football.

Queen’s Cup Dreams

Capdevila acknowledges the meaning of hosting the Queen’s Cup: Yes, the Queen’s Cup is very important. Being able to take it to the city of Granollers is a fact that will be remembered for a lifetime. the team is in a very good time. We have not won in the League for two days,but the defeat was against Atlético guardés,the leader of the league,who would say he has only lost one game. And despite the fact that we had casualties, we played well enough. The team is well physically and mentally, with great desire. No one can overcome us if we talk about excitement. Our dream is to win the cup, but you have to go step by step. It is still a diffrent competition from the league, where things that have happened so far are not so much. Here it can happen everything.

While recent league form hasn’t been perfect, Capdevila emphasizes the team’s mental and physical readiness, fueled by the desire to win on their home court. The Queen’s Cup, a knockout tournament, presents a different challenge than the regular season, where anything can happen, similar to the unpredictable nature of March Madness in NCAA basketball.

A Family Legacy in Handball

Capdevila’s connection to handball runs deep. Her mother, Gemma Barbany, played from 1976 to 1985 and was a pioneer in women’s handball.Yes, we are a family that we come from handball by mother. My grandfather on the part of a mother, joan Barbany, was one of the first players of Granollers, helped to train this club and held different positions. He was always linked to the club, like other relatives. And then my mother played and also my brothers. The four brothers have played there, although now the only thing that is played by me. Since I was born I have lived this sport. That now I can live the Cup in Granollers, with all this legacy, it is exciting.

her grandfather was a founding member of the club, and her mother paved the way for future generations of female handball players.This multi-generational involvement mirrors families deeply rooted in sports like the Mannings in American football.

Reflecting on her mother’s era, Capdevila notes: The truth is that he tells me how the best time of his life. He went to Vedruna School and a group of friends decided to make one of the first women’s teams. They made teams, until they could compete. It keeps many memories.The other day I was teaching photos and documents, as party events. It was not easy, there was no support, but they had excitement. Unluckily, he suffered an injury and could not continue to play, but then he decided to train. Now he sees me and they are filled with pride in seeing his daughter has come here.

Her mother’s stories highlight the challenges faced by female athletes in the past, who often lacked the resources and support available today.Despite these obstacles, their passion for the game persevered.

A Fork in the Road: Handball vs. Tennis

Capdevila reveals that she was also a talented tennis player in her youth: Yes, yes, until the age of thirteen I also competed at the highest level in tennis, but at that time I got a scholarship to study at the Blume residence. It was time to take the step and decide what my sport would be. I opted for handball, it was not difficult to choose it, it was the one I liked the most.

At 13,she received a scholarship to a sports academy,forcing her to choose between tennis and handball. Ultimately, her love for handball prevailed.

When asked if choosing tennis would have disappointed her family, she responded: Yes, although my father does not, he does come from the world of tennis.

While her father had a background in tennis, the family’s handball legacy likely influenced her decision.

The Allure of Team Sport

Capdevila explains her decision to pursue handball: one of the things I valued the most when deciding on one sport or the other was a team sport. In Handball you share the successes, the moments, the defeats … you have a team that in the end ends up being your family,because in the end you share more time with them than with your family. I really like it to be a team game. To fit all the pieces to play on a tactic scale, to defend, to score goals. It is also a challenge in terms of characters, to work everything. It is indeed very comfortable to see that joining efforts you reach goals. That if everyone does what they play, success can be achieved. If you win alone is your success. It’s okay, but I think the shared hits are much better.

She emphasizes the camaraderie and shared experience of team sports, contrasting it with the individual nature of tennis.This resonates with many athletes who value the bonds formed within a team environment, similar to the appeal of team sports like basketball or soccer.

Early Independence and Continued Education

Winning the Blume scholarship meant leaving home at a young age: Well, it was superfacet, the truth. Parents always tell me, it was difficult for them to see their thirteen -year -old daughter, but I promptly made friends. You go at an age where it can be fun to live with other girls who play sports. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Despite the initial challenges, she thrived in the academy environment, forming lasting friendships with fellow athletes.

Even with her demanding handball career,Capdevila has prioritized education: Correct,I have always been very clear. I made audiovisual dialog at the University of Vic and now I am doing a master’s degree in strategy and creativity in advertising at the UOC. If the boys are difficult to live in handball, girls are more complicated. At home I was always instilled in studying, training, while still competing.

She holds a degree in audiovisual communication and is currently pursuing a master’s degree,demonstrating her commitment to academic pursuits alongside her athletic career. This is particularly important for female athletes, where career longevity can be shorter compared to male athletes.

Flying the Flag for Catalan Handball

Capdevila highlights the significance of Granollers being the only Catalan women’s team in the top division: Yes. In fact, I think it must be one of the few in Europe with the masculine and the feminine in the Honor Division. I think few people are aware of this. He talks well about the club’s work, which has been betting on us. I have been here all my life, but the feminine has been in the Honor division for seven years and I have seen how changes have come, which have allowed us to better train, compete better and have our own dressing room. details that matter. This club is my life.And the feminine, beyond Catalonia’s Cups, has never won a title. If we do it would be a big thing.In addition, the masculine does a lot of wins either, so everyone is excited about this cup.

She emphasizes the club’s commitment to both its men’s and women’s teams, a rare achievement in European handball. Winning the Queen’s Cup would be a historic achievement for the women’s team and a source of pride for the entire club.

Superstitions and Role Model Status

Capdevila admits to being superstitious: Very. Too, sometimes. During the warm -up I have many tics, many phrases I always have to say, I have to use the same type of clothing in Thursday or Friday training, hair ribbons …

Like many athletes, she has pre-game rituals and superstitions that she believes contribute to her performance.

Capdevila reflects on her role as a role model: Things have changed. As you say, I grew up in an age when I was asked what my reference was and I said Joan Cañellas. When I was a girl, the references were men. A woman did not say. And then they started playing games on television, they improved things … and it went on their way. You are not always aware of it, to be a benchmark, but it is indeed a pride to see so many girls who aspire to do what I do. I couldn’t start playing until I was seven years old because there were no teams and now we have pre -children.And mini teams for five -year -old girls. We have many girls at the club. We will play the cup also thinking of them.

She acknowledges the progress made in women’s handball, with more opportunities and visibility for female athletes. She is proud to be a role model for young girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps, playing the Queen’s Cup with them in mind.

Further Examination: It would be interesting to explore the growth of women’s handball in Spain and the challenges it still faces, as well as the impact of having female role models on youth participation in the sport. A deeper dive into the club’s investment in both the men’s and women’s teams could also provide valuable insights.

Key Data: Martina Capdevila and KH-7 BM Granollers

To provide a clearer picture of Martina Capdevila’s achievements and KH-7 BM Granollers’ journey, hear’s a snapshot of key data points:

This table provides a concise overview of the key facts about Martina Capdevila, adding more value to the article.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Queen’s Cup in Handball?

The Handball Queen’s Cup is a knockout tournament in Spanish women’s handball, similar to the FA Cup in soccer or March Madness in US college basketball. It’s a prestigious competition where teams compete in a direct elimination format.

Who is Martina Capdevila?

Martina Capdevila Barbany is a professional handball player from Granollers,Spain. She plays for KH-7 BM Granollers and currently leads the league in scoring. She is known for her prolific scoring ability and her dedication to the sport.

What is the significance of Granollers in Handball?

Granollers is considered the “cradle of Catalan handball” and has a rich history with the sport. It hosted handball events during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and has produced many talented players. The city has a deep connection to handball, with strong community support.

What are Martina Capdevila’s goals for the Queen’s Cup?

Capdevila aims to win the Queen’s Cup for KH-7 BM Granollers, which would be the first time in the club’s history. She also hopes to perform well in front of her hometown fans and make her family and the local community proud, reflecting on the team’s dream to bring the cup to Granollers.

How does family legacy influence her career?

Martina Capdevila’s family has a strong connection to handball. Her mother was a pioneer player, and her grandfather was a founding member of the Granollers handball club. This family history has inspired her and shaped her passion for the sport. She has also acknowledged the importance of role models and being this for young girls.

What challenges did female players face in earlier generations?

earlier generations of female handball players faced fewer resources and less support compared to today’s athletes. They often had to overcome obstacles to establish and grow the sport; this is reflected in the stories of Capdevila’s mother and her teammates.

How does Capdevila balance sports and education?

Capdevila has a degree in audiovisual communication and is currently pursuing a master’s degree. Her commitment to education reflects her dedication to a well-rounded lifestyle, highlighting the importance of academic pursuits alongside her athletic career, particularly for female athletes.

What makes Granollers unique in the world of Spanish handball?

Granollers is one of the few cities in Europe (and perhaps the only one in Spain) where both the men’s and women’s handball teams compete in the top division (Honor Division). This reflects the club’s commitment to both programs and the overall strength of handball in the city.

What are some of her pre-game rituals?

Capdevila admits to being superstitious and has several pre-game rituals, including specific clothing preferences for training sessions and particular phrases; this helps her feel comfortable and focused.

how has the visibility of women’s handball evolved?

Women’s handball has seen significant advancements in recent years, with more media coverage, increased opportunities, and a growing number of female role models. capdevila acknowledges these improvements and embraces her role as an inspiration for future generations of players.