A Few Minutes With Mariana Branquinho

Sept. 10, 2002

Columbia, S.C. –
The Gamecocks lone junior, Mariana Branquinho took time to talk about her life and experiences while at South Carolina. The Sao Paulo, Brazil native shares some details about herself in the piece below:

uscsports.com: How have you changed since you have come to the U.S. for college?

MB: I grew up a lot. I was always my mama’s baby, she always did everything for me. Since I came to college, I learned that there are many things I can do by myself.

uscsports.com: What do you miss most about Brazil?

MB: My family. In the beginning I missed my culture and I was very homesick, but now, I mainly miss my family.

uscsports.com: What food do you miss most from home?

MB: My mom’s cooking. There is nothing like it.

uscsports.com: What characteristics do you think you have contributed to the team?

MB: I think that because I was so different from everyone, coming from a different country and everything, I have shown members of my team how to accept changes.

uscsports.com: Who is your favorite Brazilian musician?

MB: Renato Russo and Adriana Calcanhoto

uscsports.com: What are your thoughts on this year’s freshmen class:

MB: Very young (smile). They bring good attitudes, but definitely very young.

uscsports.com: What are your goals for this season?

MB: To do everything I am supposed to do. Give 100 percent and help push us to that next level.

uscsports.com: Is it weird to you to think of Christmas in cold weather?

MB: It is weird for me to think of it being cold during Christmas.

uscsports.com: Have you ever seen snow?

MB: No.

uscsports.com: What is your favorite dish to cook?

MB: My famous “Rice Special”. It consists of garlic, tomatoes, chicken, broccoli, olive oil and all of that good stuff!