Damiris Dantas Represents Brazil at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup and Mourns a National Icon
Over the summer of 2025, the Indiana Fever’s Damiris Dantas temporarily stepped away from the WNBA to fulfill an important commitment to her national team. Dantas missed a string of four games across June and July as she traveled to Santiago, Chile, to suit up for Brazil in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup—a major international competition for national basketball teams from the Americas.
Despite her absence being notable for Indiana, who rely on her as a dependable veteran presence, Dantas’ decision to join Brazil highlighted her enduring loyalty and pride in representing her country on the international stage. The 32-year-old forward proved to be an essential pillar for the Brazilian team, displaying leadership, offensive efficiency, and competitive drive throughout the tournament.
Dantas Leads Brazil on a Deep Run in Chile
Dantas didn’t just show up in uniform—she dominated. Over the course of seven games in the AmeriCup, she averaged a remarkable 21.4 points per game, shooting an efficient 52% from the field. Her all-around impact extended beyond scoring. She contributed 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and knocked down 1.6 three-pointers per contest. These statistics illustrate her versatility and ability to influence the game in multiple dimensions—both in the paint and on the perimeter.
With Dantas at the forefront, Brazil stormed their way through the competition and reached the tournament’s ultimate stage: the championship final. There, they faced off against a formidable opponent in the United States, a nation historically dominant in international women’s basketball. Despite a hard-fought battle, Brazil fell to Team USA in a high-scoring contest, 92–84. The loss was disheartening, but the effort and cohesion Brazil displayed throughout the tournament earned them significant respect.
Dantas’ consistent high-level performances did not go unnoticed. Her efforts were rewarded with selection to the AmeriCup All-Star 5—a prestigious recognition for the top five players across all teams in the competition. She was joined by fellow Brazilian standout Kamilla Cardoso, a rising star who plays for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. Their presence on the All-Star team underscored Brazil’s collective strength and talent in women’s basketball, and it further demonstrated how Dantas continues to be an elite player, even as she enters her early 30s.
A Personal and Professional Milestone
Participating in the AmeriCup wasn’t just about statistics or awards for Dantas. It was a moment of national pride, emotional significance, and a return to her roots. Having grown up in Brazil and developed her early basketball career in the country, wearing the national team jersey still carries deep personal meaning for her.
Her leadership extended beyond scoring. On the court, she was vocal, guided younger players, and helped navigate tough game situations. Off the court, she embodied the professionalism and maturity expected of a veteran leader. For many of the less experienced players on Brazil’s roster, Dantas was not just a teammate—she was a mentor and a source of inspiration.
Her presence provided a stabilizing force as Brazil sought to reassert itself among the top-tier nations in women’s basketball. Though the team came up short in the final, their silver-medal finish served as a signal of promise for Brazil’s future in the sport.
Mourning a Brazilian Coaching Giant: Antonio Carlos Vendramini
As Dantas celebrated her accomplishments on the court, a wave of grief struck the Brazilian basketball community. The loss of Antonio Carlos Vendramini—a legendary coach and mentor to generations of players—was announced by Unimed Campinas Basquete, one of the premier women’s basketball clubs in Brazil.
Vendramini, who had served in multiple capacities at Unimed Campinas as a technical advisor and sports director, had been a significant figure in Brazilian basketball for decades. His passing was confirmed on a Thursday shortly after being hospitalized in Campinas, Brazil, following complications stemming from a tumor. He was 74 years old.
The news hit Dantas especially hard. Having played under Vendramini earlier in her career, she credited him with shaping her approach to the game and providing invaluable guidance. Dantas was quick to pay tribute to the late coach via social media. In a heartfelt Instagram comment on the announcement post, she wrote in Portuguese: “Rest in peace, master. Thank you for everything 😍,” a message that conveyed both deep sorrow and enduring gratitude.
She also shared several moments of remembrance through her Instagram Stories, posting images, memories, and reflections that expressed her appreciation for the coach’s influence on her journey. For Dantas, Vendramini was more than just a coach—he was a mentor, a father figure, and a national icon.
Vendramini’s Storied Legacy in Brazilian Basketball
Antonio Carlos Vendramini’s contributions to Brazilian basketball cannot be overstated. His coaching career spanned more than four decades, during which he built a legacy marked by excellence, innovation, and deep commitment to the development of women’s basketball.
Over the course of his 40-year career, Vendramini earned 18 state titles and 13 national championships. These figures alone would place him among the most accomplished coaches in Brazilian sports history. Yet, his influence extended far beyond the trophies. He was revered for his ability to build cohesive teams, nurture talent, and foster a culture of discipline and passion.
Vendramini’s impact wasn’t limited to the club level. He also held leadership roles with Brazil’s women’s national team, where he added a South American championship to his résumé in 1989. That title win remains one of the seminal moments in the history of Brazilian women’s basketball and stands as a testament to his visionary leadership.
The coach was known for his keen eye for talent and for providing platforms for young players to shine. Under his guidance, many athletes—Dantas included—found their path to national and international prominence.
A Respected and Beloved Figure
Those who knew Vendramini, either personally or professionally, often spoke of his unmatched work ethic and genuine love for the game. He was seen as a builder—of teams, of systems, and of people. Former players, coaches, and fans remembered him as a coach who prioritized fundamentals and team unity while embracing strategic flexibility. His ability to read the game and adjust to various opponents made him a formidable figure on the sidelines.
Off the court, Vendramini was equally respected. He formed deep connections with his players, often serving as a life mentor as well as a coach. His demeanor was calm but commanding, and he was known for listening as much as he spoke—an increasingly rare quality in elite sports leadership.
In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in from across the Brazilian basketball community. Players who had long since retired shared stories of his support during tough times. Young athletes currently coming through Brazil’s developmental system voiced their admiration for the path he paved. For many, his death represented the end of an era.
The Cultural Significance of Vendramini’s Influence
Vendramini was more than just a figure within sports; he was a cultural symbol of progress for women’s sports in Brazil. At a time when women’s basketball struggled for attention and support, he stood firmly in its corner, advocating for equal resources and opportunities. He helped shift perceptions and created programs that highlighted female athletes’ potential.
His influence also extended to Brazil’s broader sports institutions. He participated in advisory roles, helped shape youth initiatives, and lobbied for better investment in coaching development. His fingerprints are all over Brazilian basketball infrastructure—from junior academies to national championship structures.
When someone like Vendramini passes, the void left is felt on many levels. He wasn’t just a great coach—he was an institution, a guiding light for players and peers alike.
Dantas’ Dual Roles: Grief and Greatness
For Damiris Dantas, the summer of 2025 will likely be remembered as a period of both professional achievement and personal loss. Balancing the pride of leading her country to an AmeriCup final with the sadness of losing a beloved mentor has been a heavy emotional journey.
Yet, her conduct throughout—whether dominating on the court or honoring her late coach—demonstrates the depth of her character. Dantas has emerged not only as a leading athlete for Brazil and the Indiana Fever but also as a dignified representative of Brazilian sportsmanship and tradition.
Her decision to play through emotional turmoil and deliver high-caliber performances shows her mental resilience. It’s a reflection of the very lessons Vendramini instilled in her and others—dedication, discipline, and heart.
Looking Ahead: Dantas and Brazil’s Future
The 2025 AmeriCup is over, but for Dantas and Brazil, it marks a stepping stone toward even greater ambitions. The silver medal finish and the high level of play offer optimism for Brazil’s prospects in future international competitions, including the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
With players like Dantas continuing to perform at a high level and with emerging talents like Kamilla Cardoso gaining experience and recognition, Brazil is poised to remain a strong force in international basketball.
Dantas’ leadership will undoubtedly remain central to that journey. Her blend of experience, skill, and emotional intelligence makes her invaluable both on and off the court.
Conclusion: A Tribute in Action
While Vendramini may no longer be present in the gym, his legacy lives on through players like Damiris Dantas. Her recent performances and her heartfelt tributes show that the values he taught endure. Each shot made, each rebound secured, and each game played with intensity is a testament to the standard he set.
In honoring her coach through her play and public acknowledgments, Dantas ensures that Vendramini’s memory isn’t confined to history books. It’s alive in Brazil’s locker rooms, on international courts, and in the hearts of every player he once mentored.
Damiris Dantas’ AmeriCup journey in 2025 is thus more than a chapter in her career—it’s a living eulogy for a coach who helped shape the identity of Brazilian women’s basketball.
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