Home/College Basketball

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

There are many who give up when life keeps throwing curveballs. And then there are some who pick them and make a bucket. Something similar is the story of the 2x NCAA champion and Dawn Staley’s Brazilian prodigy, Kamilla Cardoso. Many know her for being a menace on both ends of the floor and for standing at an incredible height of 6’7. But most don’t know where she comes from and her story. However, ESPN’s “Full Court Press” is allowing the former South Carolina star to spell it out for the fans.

Bri Lewerke tweeted a clip from the docuseries on her X account. She captioned it, Kamilla! what she did for the love of the game of basketball and to take care of her family is indescribably special and brave.” In the video, Cardoso says, “My mom was a little nervous because, I was like, 14 at the time. I didn’t speak no English. I was moving to a whole different country and I didn’t know nothing about the culture.” 

Kamilla Cardoso adds, “In the first two months that I left home, it was the hardest months for me. I wasn’t eating, I lost like almost 20 pounds. I was very sad, but like, I used to call them every day, and they just used to tell me like, ‘You just gotta stay strong and continue to chase your dreams.'”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Truly, she has shown that if you put your mind to something, nothing else should matter. Kamilla Cardoso definitely became one of the favorites for South Carolina fans as she brought 2 national titles to Columbia in her 4 years as a Gamecock. Hence, fans reacting to her story in the purest ways is only normal.

“Perfect fit”: Fans shed tears watching Kamilla Cardoso

Cardoso came to America with big hopes and even bigger responsibilities. She knew she needed to support her family but she also wanted to do it through her love for basketball. Hence, even Dawn Staley could not stop herself from appreciating Cardoso for becoming a part of the Gamecocks. Sharing the clip on her X account, the fan sheds tears proving why the 23-year-old hooper’s story needed to be told.

Another X user commented on Lewerke’s tweet, wishing to see more of her. The tweet read, “I love her so much! I can’t wait for her to start putting in work.” Currently, the National DPOY is benched due to the shoulder injury she faced in her debut WNBA game. However, Chicago Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon has put her faith in the rookie and updated that she just might return before the 6-8 weeks of medical leave.

An X user also commented on Peyton Mannings’ Omaha Production’s tweet. After watching the docuseries, they gave their love to the standout athlete. Kamilla Cardoso has truly transformed the meaning of love. She has not left any stone unturned when it comes to her family and also following her dream of playing basketball at the highest level of the WNBA.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Another basketball follower said how even at such a young age Kamilla Cardoso was not short of courage in her life, and her mindset to be a great hooper one day only kept her going. Today, she has traveled miles to be in the professional league and there is no denying that she will continue to be a force to reckon with here as well. “True courage & determination. What an inspiration,” the tweet read.

One basketball fan mentioned how Kamilla Cardoso and her family have been through tough times. The Gamecocks star could not travel back to her family due to her studies and games. On the other hand, her family could not come to visit her due to financial restraints and VISA troubles. On her senior night, Dawn Staley went a step further and flew her mother and sister to watch the stellar hooper play in person, bringing tears to everyone’s eyes who was involved.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Montes Claros native was truly a transforming force for the University of South Carolina. She turned their losses into wins and grabbed two NCAA titles in her 4 years with the team. Not to mention, her game-winning three was the most memorable moment as she made her first deep shot. Now, as a part of the Sky, there is no doubt that Kamilla Cardoso will indeed continue to be an unstoppable force on the floor.