It is challenging to leave your family, friends and your entire home to pursue a goal. This is part of the sacrifice that Brendha Schwartz has had to go through to be here at the University of Detroit Mercy.
A transfer on the women’s basketball team, Brendha comes from Brazil, where she first fell in love with the game and began a journey that would eventually lead her to the U.S.
Her hard work paid off when she earned the opportunity to play for Brazil’s national team three times, an experience that helped her develop to be a better basketball player and put her at a high level of competition.
Her journey to the United States started in Texas, a new environment. She describes it as “a different culture,” reflecting on the adjustments she had to make. She embraced the change and learned to adapt both on and off the court.
After spending some time in Texas, she decided to transfer to UDM.
“Because of the coaches, it was good,” Schwartz said. “I felt like I could trust them. That’s why I came to Detroit Mercy.”
Being far from home has not been easy.
“I’ve been here in America for three years now, so it’s hard for me to be away from home for three years, but there are some sacrifices you have to make all the time,” Brendha admitted.
Being far from home has been one of the hardest parts of Brendha’s journey. She often thinks about her family in Brazil and misses the everyday moments they shared.
“I really miss my family every day,” she said. “It’s not easy being so far away, but I try to stay close by calling them whenever I can.”
Even though the distance is difficult, it motivates her to work harder and make the sacrifices necessary to succeed both on and off the court.
“It’s hard, but it’s good at the same time,” Schwartz said.
Her dedication and willingness to make these sacrifices show her determination to pursue both her athletic and academic dreams.
Her presence and positive attitude have an impact on the team on the court, but she also inspires younger players who are going through similar things and look up to her story of perseverance.
She keeps facing challenging of adapting to a new culture, balancing school and her sport and staying connected to her family back in Brazil, all while pursuing her goal of becoming an exceptional player at UDM.
For Schwartz, basketball is more than a game, it is a journey that has taken her from Brazil to have an opportunity here in the United States, teaching her resilience and hard work.
Her story is a reminder of the sacrifices athletes make to chase their dreams and the dedication it takes to succeed far from home.