Mariafernanda

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What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Honestly? My legs are shaking, I'm tired, and I don't care. That's when I love it most. Everything around me disappears — I get so focused it feels like slow motion, like magic. But what I love more than the game is my team. I'm loyal. I'd rather fight next to people who have my back than win with anyone else. I never quit on them. Not once. Not ever.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Honestly, it's my parents. My mom is so disciplined and organized, she never half-does anything, and watching her push herself that hard makes me want to push myself too. My dad's the same — always working hard, never making excuses. Off the court, they taught me that showing up and being consistent matters more than being naturally talented. On the court, I just try to make them proud.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Honestly, it's not one specific game — it's every game. My team isn't the best, but I never treat it like we're gonna lose. I dive for every single ball like it's the last point of the season, because to me, it is. I think what makes me proudest is knowing I never let a ball hit the ground without fighting for it first. That's the moment, over and over — me doing whatever it takes