Stephanie Soares

Stephanie Soares is one of the most talented Latin American athletes. The 23-year-old Brazilian player has an illustrious career in sports that began when she was a child and continued to develop in college basketball, turning into a professional career.

Soares comes from a family of athletes, with her father, Rogerio Suares, playing basketball at The Master’s University. Her mother, Susan, was also a basketball player, playing the sport in high school and winning the coveted award of Gatorade Player of the Year. This recognition has been won by some of the leading athletes in the world, including Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. 

Soares began her college career in her father’s alma mater, becoming the nation’s leader in rebounding and blocked shots. On the 2018 - 2019 season, she was named Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Player of the Year and the GSAC Defensive Player of the Year. She concluded her college career playing for Iowa State, where she made connections that last to this day.

After her graduation, Soares was the fourth draft by the Washington Mystics. She was immediately transferred to the Dallas Wings, where she currently plays. On an international level, she plays for Brazil’s Women’s National Basketball team, being a key figure in the 2019 Pan American Games.

Despite moving on to the WNBA, Soares remains an important figure in Iowa State, where she was named a graduate assistant for the 2023-24 season. “We are excited that Stephanie will continue to be with our program as a graduate assistant,” said Bill Fennelly, the team’s coach, per the Des Moines Register. “She makes our program better in every way.”

Soares is currently pursuing her master’s degree in family and consumer sciences. She already holds a degree in kinesiology and physical education.