Getting to Know U: Freshman Inês Vieira
Utah women's basketball's foreign pipeline continues to recruit talented prospects worldwide as the Utes add Portugal native Inês Vieira. Vieira brings extensive international experience, playing for the Portugal National Team at the U16 Women's European Championships in 2018 and 2019. This summer, Vieira helped lead Portugal to the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship. The Madeira Island, Portugal native was integral in Team Portugal's success in Germany, averaging 14.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Vieira recently caught up with UtahUtes.com to chat about why she is looking forward to this season, what made her fall in love with the game, and what her dream job is after graduation.
Season tickets for the 2021-22 season are now available. Floor seats are priced at $100 while general admission tickets at $25. Call the Utah ticket office at 801-581-UTIX or
visit www.UtahTickets.com.
Q: When did you start playing basketball? Who was your favorite player growing up?
A: I started playing basketball when I was five years old. Growing up, I never had a favorite player. As I got older, I started following Ticha Penicheiro's path, the first Portuguese player to play in WNBA. She was an inspiration because growing up on a small island like Madeira, and I never had the opportunity to play against many teams. Ticha entering the WNBA made me want to do the same. I got this dream, to have a full scholarship to play in the United States college basketball.
Q: What about the sport of basketball made you fall in love with it?
A: My father being a basketball coach, most of my childhood was spent inside a basketball hall. Since there I have fallen in love with basketball. I would go there every single day without getting tired. Now the feeling stays the same. I'm passionate about this sport. The game of basketball is just beautiful and is where you can build a big family, friendships for life.
Q: What about the University of Utah made you want to continue your career here?
A: The University of Utah has the complete package of want I for my near future. From all the other options, Coach Roberts gave me the unique opportunity to have a scholarship and play in the best conference in the USA, the Pac-12. I am from Portugal, where women's basketball is not famous. For a girl like me coming from a small country, this was my biggest dream. Playing basketball and studying at a high level.
Q: What has been your favorite part about playing basketball at Utah so Far?
A: My favorite part about playing basketball at Utah is the connections and friendships that I'm creating with my teammates, the high competition that I'm confronting with every workout and, I love the team environment.
Q: Who in your life has been the most influential in getting you where you are today?
A: All my coaches, teammates, and family.
Q: What is your dream job and why?
A: I want to play professionally, and then when I'm done, I want to have my own business.
Q: What was it like growing up in your hometown? Any specific memories that stand out?
A: I grew up on a beautiful island called Madeira, where the sun shines all year round. I was so little, and I never realized how amazing it is to live there. One of the things that you say, you only value it when you are far away from it.
Q: What is your favorite basketball moment growing and why?
A: Winning a NATIONAL championship with my father.
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
A: I'm a sensitive and shy person, but that changes once I step on the court.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season?
A: To have a chance to step on the court and help my team get to the NCAA Tournament.
Q: If you could tell our fans one thing, what would it be?
A: We need our fans and their support for the games. Get ready for this season! Go Utes
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