Aug. 29, 2011
NORFOLK, Va. - The Old Dominion women's basketball team has announced its newest addition, Michelle Brandao, an explosive guard and member of the U19 Portuguese National Team.
"Michelle Brandao brings a passion for the game that will be contagious to the entire program," said head coach Karen Barefoot. "She is a versatile guard that can do it all and fits our up tempo system. We are excited to bring back the Portugal connection to the ODU campus."
Brandao has competed in 65 National Team games and in six European Championships for Portugal. Brandao's squad earned the silver medal at the U19 European Championships this year and she was named to the All-Tournament team.
"Michelle is at the top of a new Portuguese generation," said Coach Jose, Brandao's Club coach in Portugal. "She is coming from the same National Training Center Programs as Ticha Penicheiro and Mery Andrade. Michelle is very ambitious and has excellent work ethic, as they were trained for that. She is a very smart guard with very good ball handling skills, topped with tremendous leadership on the court. She is a very fine student looking to be a sports management major."
Additionally, Brandao was a U16 Champion for the Portuguese squad and competed for Club Olivais Coimbra where she won a pair of Portuguese Cup Championships and was selected as Newcomer of the Year.
"I'm very excited to attend Old Dominion and to play for Coach Barefoot," said Brandao. "I love the game and to have the opportunity to improve as a player at ODU is simply amazing. Ticha (Penicheiro) played at ODU and she is the best Portuguese player as far as I'm concerned. She is definitely an inspiration and it's an honor to put on the same uniform as her!"
All of the coaches at ODU have been very supportive, helpful, and concerned for me. That is very important to me, and makes me feel more comfortable and secure with my choice. I know I will enjoy ODU. I hope to become a better player there, and to help the team as much as I can."
Below fans can hear what assistant coach Adrienne Goodson has to say about Brandao!
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