Junior College transfer brings vital experience to Rebels
Sage Sammons, UNLV Athletics Media Relations
Sept. 22, 2011
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Whenever a player transfers to a new school, the learning curve can be very steep. Not only in terms of how a team plays, but also how a team bonds away from the court. Elisa Brochado has been an exception to that rule.
"Since I transferred from a junior college, I have a little experience," Brochado said. "So I'm here to help them and learn at the same time. We are just hoping that we are going to get better in every tournament and have a winning season."
Brochado, or "Lili" as she is referred to by teammates and coaches, played two years at the College of Southern Idaho. She was a key component of a team that won the NJCAA National Championship in 2009. That high level of competition helped prepare her in transferring to UNLV.
"The junior college I played at was a really good program. We worked hard there every day so that prepared me for UNLV. The biggest difference is that this is Division I and as a team we have to understand the pressure and have to be committed."
The hopes are that her experience at a winning program will help inspire her younger teammates at UNLV.
"Lili brings a lot of experience that we needed," head coach Cindy Fredrick said. "We have a pretty young team right now and her experience and her competitiveness brings that little X-factor to the team that we needed. The fact that she has been on championship teams and knows how to compete is also helpful and she has been a great addition in that way."
Another unique quality of Brochado is that she hails from Brazil.
"The international aspect of Borchado's play adds positive flair to things," Fredrick said. "Most people will tell you that international players play with a savvy that American players don't necessarily play with. That has been my experience with the international kids that I've coached. They bring a little bit different perspective to the game."
Brochado has seen that difference in perspective and she understands the role she plays for the Rebels.
"It is very different than playing in Brazil, but coming here has been a great experience," Brochado said. "This is a young team and I'm here to help them as much as I can."
Off the court, Brochado has been able to bond very well with her teammates.
"I personally see this team as a family," Brochado said. "We need to play for each other so that we are able to have a winning season."
"She's got a great sense of humor and fits in just great with the rest of the team," Fredrick said.
The Rebels just swept in-state rival Nevada, Reno on the road Wednesday night to improve to 7-6 on the year. They return Friday night for a 7:00 pm match against San Diego State to open Mountain West action.
