Interview with SLY cocoMIC, Coach Solary for EVA

Evalunna (Vitality)

Welcome and thank you for accepting this interview. Can you introduce yourself and your team briefly?

My name is Michaël, I’m 38 years old and my in-game name is cocoMIC. I’m the coach of the EVA Solary team. The staff also includes Grimm as manager, and the roster is made up of Wire (captain), Azula, Mido, Grom, and Takaa.

Can you describe your role and daily routine within the EVA scene?

My role is to ensure the team’s progression, both individually and collectively. I focus on overall performance, organize training sessions, conduct individual and team reviews, and work on team cohesion. I also provide strategic improvement areas and collaborate with the manager to help the team grow physically and mentally. At the same time, I’m a caster for EVA France, where I’ve covered EL1, the Coupe de France, and part of the ECL Alpha. I also work at EVA Reims as a Game Master.

What motivated you to join this team?

The challenge, above all.

What do you consider to be your greatest strength as a coach?

Analysis. It allows me to quickly understand situations and identify areas for improvement.

Can any good player become a coach, and vice versa?

No, definitely not. Being a good player doesn’t automatically make you a good coach, and the opposite is also true. These are two completely different roles that require different skill sets. Some people can excel at both, but it’s not the norm.

Do you have a funny or memorable anecdote as a coach?

One thing that often makes me smile is when a team doesn’t understand a call. You explain the reasoning behind it, and suddenly it feels like you’re speaking a completely different language.

Do you think age is a factor in becoming a pro player?

It depends on the individual, as everyone develops differently. There’s usually a window where it’s easier to make a breakthrough, but beyond age, factors like hard work, opportunity, and sometimes luck also play a major role.

If you could change one thing about how young players are trained in esports, what would it be?

I would put much more emphasis on the mental aspect. Everything comes down to perception, and often it’s our own mindset that creates barriers without us realizing it.

What made you want to get into esports?

I’ve been playing video games since I was very young and I’ve always been competitive. Naturally, combining both led me toward esports.

What advice would you give to someone trying to make it as an esports player?

Never give up, work relentlessly, and always believe in yourself. You have to push forward despite criticism and stay focused on your goals.

Is there a player or team that inspires you in particular? Why?

I would say Didier Deschamps in football. Wherever he’s been, he has always performed, both as a player and as a coach. His longevity and consistency at the highest level make him a true role model.

Outside of esports, what other games or activities do you enjoy, and how do they help your balance?

I enjoy sports, especially weight training and running, as it helps me release stress and reset mentally. I also play games like Rocket League or PUBG from time to time just for fun, even if I enjoy it more when I win. I also like playing poker for its strategic depth and the social aspect it brings.

Do you think EVA will be accessible to everyone in the future?

For casual play, yes. But at a competitive level, it will remain demanding and require a strong lifestyle and discipline.

If you had to describe each of your teammates in one word, what would it be?

Wire is athletic, Mido is playful, Azula is calm, Takaa is discreet, Grom is perfectionist, and Grimm represents knowledge.

What is your favorite game outside of EVA, and why?

It’s a difficult choice, but I’d say Halo. I spent a lot of time playing it, especially the early titles, and it left a strong impression on me.

Do you need to be a good player to be a good coach?

No, not necessarily. It can help, but being a player and being a coach are two very different things.

How do you handle criticism, and what would you say to a player who is afraid to start because of it?

Criticism doesn’t really affect me anymore. Over time, you realize that no matter what you do, people will always judge you. My advice is simple: don’t overthink it, ignore negativity, and go for it. You live for yourself, not for others.

What would you improve in EVA esports if you were in charge tomorrow?

I would work on the competition format and the timing of meta changes, which often come at the worst possible moments.

How did you discover EVA and what made you stick with it?

I discovered EVA on Facebook by chance. I decided to try it with friends, and it completely changed my perspective. From the moment I put the headset on, I immediately saw the future of esports, imagining myself in an arena with thousands of spectators. The immersion, the feeling, and the desire to keep playing made it an unforgettable experience.

Any final message for the fans?

Thank you for your support, it truly means a lot to us. Keep following and supporting us. #SLYWIN

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