IN CONVERSATION WITH KAMILLA CARDOSO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Kamilla Cardoso has quickly emerged as one of the most dominant young forces in women’s basketball, bringing a rare combination of size, composure, and defensive intelligence to the WNBA. Now entering her third season with the Chicago Sky, the 6’7” center continues to establish herself as a game-changing presence in the paint, anchoring defenses and impacting every level of the game with quiet confidence. Born and raised in Brazil before moving to Tennessee as a teenager to pursue basketball, Kamilla’s journey has been defined by resilience, adaptation, and growth both on and off the court. From leading South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball to an undefeated national championship run to representing Brazil on the international stage, she has become not only a standout athlete, but also an inspiring figure for a new generation of global women’s basketball fans. Off the court, she remains deeply connected to her roots through community work, while also embracing fashion and self-expression as part of her growing presence beyond the game.

Entering your third WNBA season, how do you feel you’ve evolved as a player since your rookie year?

I feel like I've grown a lot as a player since my rookie year, especially mentally. I've had to learn the hard way that the games have a lot of ups and downs and I've realized how important mental strength is, not just in basketball, but in life in general. To produce and perform on the court, you have to be mentally strong and that’s an area where I've improved over the years. I also feel like the game has slowed down for me, and I’m much more confident in myself now. Being with this new team has helped a lot. The coaching staff has been great, my teammates are amazing, and Michael has been incredible. They constantly remind me of how good I am and how much potential I have for the future, and that really helps me stay confident. I think my decision-making and overall understanding of the game have improved a lot too. Now that I’ve been in the WNBA for three years, the experience has really helped me grow, and I think that’s been very important for my development.

What excites you most about this new era of the Chicago Sky?

What excites me the most is the opportunity to build something special with this group. We have a lot of talent, have great energy and I think we’re creating a culture where everybody wants to compete and grow together. We are all moving toward the same goal, which is winning.

Your game has been described as “quiet dominance.” How would you personally define your style on the court?

I would describe my style as calm, but impactful. I’m not really loud on the court, but I try to impact the game in every way possible through rebounding, bringing great energy, and making winning plays. I also focus on staying dominant and consistent every time I step on the floor. 

How important was your family’s support, especially your mother and sister, throughout your journey?

My family’s support has meant everything to me. Moving away from Brazil at a young age wasn’t easy, so having my mom and sister always believing in me helped me stay strong through every challenge. Like I said, I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs in basketball, but just knowing I have them in my corner every step of the way gives me confidence and makes everything feel a lot easier to handle.

Looking back at your high school years, when did you realize basketball could truly become your future?

I think high school was when I really realized basketball could become my future. That was the moment I started to see how many opportunities the game could create for me and my family. Seeing all the college offers come in made me realize that even more and motivated me to keep pushing myself.

Earning Most Outstanding Player honors during the NCAA tournament was a defining moment. How did that experience shape your confidence?

Winning Most Outstanding Player during my senior year of college at the Final Four gave me a lot of confidence, especially because it happened on such a big stage. It reminded me to trust the work I’ve put in and believe that I can compete against anybody. Having the support of my coaches and teammates throughout that journey also meant a lot to me.

How does representing Brazil internationally differ from playing in the WNBA?

Representing Brazil feels different because it’s very emotional and personal for me. Every time I wear that jersey, I think about my country, my family, and all the people back home supporting me. I also think about all the young Brazilian girls who look up to me, and that motivates me to represent my country the best way I can.

What does it mean to you to help elevate Brazilian women’s basketball on the global stage?

It means a lot to me because I want to help bring more attention to Brazilian women’s basketball. I want to put Brazil back on the map in women’s basketball and inspire young girls from Brazil to believe they can dream big and reach this level someday.

What have the Olympics and international competition taught you about yourself as an athlete?

International competition has taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability. Playing against different styles and experienced players pushes me to grow and become a smarter, better athlete both on and off the court.

Off the court, you’ve spoken about wanting to build a basketball court in your hometown. Why is giving back so important to you?

Giving back is important to me because I know where I come from, and I understand how much support and opportunity can change someone’s life. I want kids from my hometown to believe they can achieve big things too.

You’re also becoming known for your tunnel style. How does fashion fit into your identity outside basketball?

Fashion is a big part of how I express myself outside of basketball. On the court, people see one side of me, but fashion allows me to show my personality, creativity, and confidence in a different way. I’m also a strong believer in “look good, feel good, play good”.

How do you balance the pressure of being a professional athlete while staying grounded personally?

I try to stay grounded by keeping my family, my faith, and the people who knew me before basketball close to me. At the end of the day, I always remind myself where I came from and why I started.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography LUCY MELECIO