Oregon State Guard’s Journey to Team Brazil Fueled by Love and Belief
Published 9:11 am Saturday, July 12, 2025
Catarina Ferreira’s trophy collection is rapidly filling up.
This Oregon State women’s basketball guard recently secured a silver medal at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Santiago, Chile, as part of the Brazilian National Team. This achievement marks her second major accolade of 2025, complementing her earlier West Coast Conference Tournament MVP award.
Although she played limited minutes, coming off the bench throughout all seven games of the AmeriCup, Ferreira described the experience as a dream realized. She emphasized the unique significance of representing both her home country and her university, saying, “I feel like they go together.”
Her selection to Team Brazil—and the accompanying accolades—was the result of five years of dedication, overcoming challenges of homesickness, and realizing the potential that Oregon State’s Director of Player Personnel, Eric Ely, recognized three years prior.
A Brazilian Connection
More than 6,000 miles from Santiago, Ely reminisces about his four years in Brazil, recalling the deep cultural bonds and his marriage to Regina, whom he met there. With memories from his time in Brazil still vivid, he shares, “I cried during the whole wedding,” reflecting on his joyful day some 40 years ago, which saw him start a family that now includes children and grandchildren.
Meet and Recruit
Eric’s first encounter with the 6-foot Brazilian guard occurred during her sophomore year at Eastern Arizona, where he noticed her impressive three-point shooting and athleticism while scouting the junior college national tournament. Even though Ferreira initially committed to Baylor, a transfer led her to Oregon State, where Ely’s insights about Brazilian culture helped secure her commitment.
Growth and Support
Once at Oregon State, Ferreira was pushed to refine her skills, including her tendency to fall during games. The coaching staff devoted significant attention to her development. The Ely family’s Brazilian heritage added a touch of home for Ferreira, allowing them to bond in Portuguese and share traditional meals, helping her overcome homesickness.
Success Breeds Opportunity
Ferreira’s significant contributions helped Oregon State clinch the WCC tournament title, resulting in a solid performance that drew the attention of the Brazilian National Team. She reflected, “Part of that is finishing the way we finished in the conference games and winning the WCC tournament.”
New Beginnings
Despite the abrupt end to Oregon State’s NCAA tournament run, Ferreira’s accomplishments led her to join Team Brazil for Olympic cycles. Nevertheless, she’s not done yet; recent changes in NCAA eligibility rules have paved the way for her to return for a sixth season at Oregon State. Ferreira looks forward to making the most of this final opportunity, especially to reconnect with her parents, who have been unable to visit her during her five years in the U.S.
