Kamilla Cardoso Siblings: Getting to Know Jessica Silva

Kamilla Cardoso, born on April 30, 2001, in Montes Claros, Brazil, is a rising star in women’s basketball.

She has made a name for herself as a dominant center, both in college basketball and now as a professional player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Cardoso’s journey began in Brazil, where she discovered her love for basketball at a young age, inspired in part by her family.

At 15, she left her hometown to pursue her dreams in the United States, attending Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Cardoso’s story is not just one of athletic prowess but also of resilience and sacrifice.

Siblings

Kamilla has one known sibling, her older sister Jessica Silva.

Jessica, a fitness coach and influencer based in Brazil, has been a steadfast supporter of her younger sister’s basketball career.

Career

Cardoso’s basketball career is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination.

After moving to the United States, she quickly established herself as a high school standout at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy.

As a senior, she averaged an astounding 24.1 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 9.2 blocks per game, earning her McDonald’s All-American honors and a five-star recruit rating.

Her collegiate journey began at Syracuse University, where she played her freshman year in the 2020-21 season.

Starting as the team’s center, she averaged 13.6 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, becoming the first Syracuse player to win the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Freshman of the Year award.

After one season, she transferred to the University of South Carolina, a decision that would elevate her career to new heights.

At South Carolina, under legendary coach Dawn Staley, Cardoso thrived.

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She contributed to two NCAA National Championships (2022 and 2024), transitioning from a reserve role behind Aliyah Boston to a starting center in her final year.

In her senior season (2023-24), she averaged 14.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, showcasing her dominance on both ends of the court.

Her standout performance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, including a 15-point, 17-rebound effort in the championship game against Iowa, solidified her legacy.

In April 2024, Cardoso was selected third overall by the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Draft.

Despite a shoulder injury sidelining her early in her rookie season, she debuted impressively and later stepped into the starting lineup, averaging 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

Beyond the WNBA, she has also signed with the Shanghai Swordfish in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association for the 2024-25 season, further expanding her professional footprint.

On the international stage, Cardoso has represented Brazil with distinction, winning gold medals at the 2022 South American Basketball Championship and the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, where she was named tournament MVP.

Accolades

Cardoso’s trophy case is already brimming with accolades, reflecting her exceptional skill and impact on the game.

She is a two-time NCAA Champion with South Carolina (2022, 2024) and was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (MOP) in 2024, highlighted by her dominant championship game performance.

In the same year, she earned the WBCA National Defensive Player of the Year award, recognizing her elite shot-blocking and rebounding, as well as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year title.

Cardoso was also selected as a First-Team All-American in 2024, a testament to her all-around excellence.

Early in her college career, she won the ACC Freshman of the Year award in 2021, becoming the first Syracuse player to achieve this honor, and was named ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year that same season.

Her All-SEC honors include First-Team recognition in 2024 and Second-Team in 2023, along with the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year award in 2023 for her impactful play off the bench.

As a high school standout, she was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2020.

Internationally, her achievements include gold medals at the 2022 South American Basketball Championship, where she was MVP, and the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, where she also earned MVP honors, plus a bronze at the 2021 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.