Vanguard University

The athlete: Maria arrives for her sophomore campaign after spending her freshman season at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California?was one of the best junior college players in 2008 in California with her only loss coming to her teammate and state champion?will make an immediate impact on the team?right-hander?has played tennis since she was six?big recruit for the Lions with the potential for a strong career at Vanguard.

The person: Maria was born in Brazil on January 6, 1989 to parents Fernando and Elizabete?has one sister?majoring in International Business?likes eating pasta and at "Subway"?favorite movie is "Marley and Me" and TV show is "House"?likes the color green and the number six?favorite Bible verse is John 3:16?roots for Vanguard?likes to surf?most respects her parents?says being honest is the most important characteristic for a person to have?learned in life that when you make a choice, make a right one?tennis has taught her that winning is better when done with the team?career goal is to get her degree.

Her thoughts: What I like about Vanguard is the community.

Coach Johansson's Comments: My hope is that Maria will replace Damia Donkervoort at #4 and play at the same level as Damia did last year. I look at Maria with similar eyes as Katya.