Brazil has been celebrated for decades for its vibrant culture, renowned athletes, and genuine spirit. Among its constellation of stars emerges Larissa Schneid, a senior and the esteemed Mercy University volleyball team captain, whose journey is marked by grit, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born and raised in Brazil, Schneid’s aspirations as an athlete were met with the harsh reality of limited opportunities in her homeland.
In Brazil, the choice between pursuing a career in sports or academics often looms, forcing many talented individuals to make difficult decisions at a young age. Schneid reflects on her dilemma: “In Brazil, I was going to have to choose between playing volleyball or attending a good university.”
Despite Brazil’s strides in education, challenges such as unequal access to quality schooling persist, exacerbating the difficulties of aspiring student-athletes like Schneid.
Yet, her determination and unwavering resolve propelled her beyond societal constraints. She defied stereotypes and excelled academically while pursuing her passion for volleyball.
Brazil has a rich history of producing world-class athletes who have left an indelible mark on the global stage.
Icons such as Pele and Ronaldinho have elevated Brazilian soccer to legendary status, captivating audiences worldwide with unparalleled skill and charisma.
In the contemporary landscape, Neymar and Vinicius Jr. continue this tradition of excellence, mesmerizing fans with their dazzling performances and cementing Brazil’s reputation as a powerhouse in the world of sports.
Undoubtedly, Brazil boasts a wealth of talent across various fields. Yet, for Schneid, the transition from high school to charting her future path was fraught with tough decisions and uncertainty.
While Brazil has significantly improved its education system over the years, challenges remain, such as equal access to quality education, infrastructure issues, and overall opportunities.
The allure of the United States, with its unparalleled college experience and emphasis on sports, beckoned to Schneid—a beacon of hope amidst the constraints she faced in Brazil.
However, the journey to realizing her dreams on American soil was fraught with challenges, including navigating the complexities of international student life and acclimating to a new cultural mile.
For a disciplined athlete like Schneid, she was lucky to be born in the right place at the right time.
Schneid’s transition to studying biomedical science at Mercy University was challenging.
Adapting to a new language and social environment posed initial difficulties, yet her role as an athlete provided a familiar anchor, facilitating friendships and fostering a sense of belonging in her new home away from home.
“I was motivated mainly by a dream, and once I came to the U.S. and started living this experience, I fell in love with it,” Schneid adds.
Why is it so appealing for student-athletes to seek an education in the U.S.?
Schneid, motivated by the relentless pursuit of her childhood dream and a newfound love for her adopted country, seized the opportunity to merge her academic pursuits with her passion for volleyball.
At the tender age of 16, she embarked on a journey guided by hope and determination, enlisting the assistance of agencies to navigate the intricate process of securing athletic scholarships in the U.S.
The cost of education for international students remains exorbitant. Schneid could have pursued her studies at a fraction of the cost in Brazil. However, the allure of the student-athlete experience held greater weight for her, and with assistance, she was able to make her dream a reality.
However, she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her volleyball career; Schneid acknowledges that “my goal was never to become a professional volleyball player.”
For her, it was more important to keep playing volleyball.
Schneid’s exceptional talent and dedication soon caught the attention of recruiters, paving the way for her to realize her dual aspirations of academic excellence and athletic achievement.
In many cases, it can be easier for international athletes to secure scholarships because they often bring unique talent and skills, like Schneid.
As the volleyball team captain, she led her teammates to victory on the court and served as a beacon of inspiration. She embodies the values of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Schneid has always faced challenges, but she wants to emphasize that she has learned to be resilient and overcome them.
“There were some moments when old coaches would tell me I wasn’t strong enough, fast enough, or tall enough to succeed in what I wanted,” she adds.
Schneid has put those comments to rest, with all her awards won.
Now, Schneid has succeeded both on the court and in the classroom, graduating this May. She is preparing for the next step of her life.
As she prepares to graduate and embark on the next chapter of her journey, Schneid leaves a legacy that is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and dedication.
In her own words, Schneid imparts a poignant message to her teammates and peers: “Put your efforts and dedication into school, and volleyball can bring you way more than just good grades and a good season.”
Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring student-athletes worldwide.
As globalization continues to reshape the landscape of higher education, more students like Schneid are venturing beyond borders in search of academic and athletic opportunities. This trend has enriched the cultural fabric of institutions and fostered greater diversity and inclusion within these spheres.
One of the defining features of Schneid’s journey is her unwavering commitment to excellence in academics and athletics.
Despite her challenges as an international student, Schneid remained steadfast in her pursuit of greatness. She leveraged her talents and tenacity to overcome obstacles and succeed on and off the court.
What happens now that a star is leaving Mercy? Will she go back to her homeland? For many international students, securing employment in the United States after graduation is a primary objective, but navigating this process can be formidable.
Like many others, Schneid is applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a crucial step in the journey toward employment for international graduates.
OPT program allows F-1 visa holders to work in their field of study in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completing their academic program. However, it’s important to note that OPT approval doesn’t guarantee immediate job placement.
The OPT application process is stringent, requiring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. It’s exclusively tied to the student’s study area, ensuring their work aligns with their educational background. This program offers international students invaluable practical experience in their field while also providing an opportunity to explore potential career pathways in the U.S.
As Schneid shares her aspirations for her future career in the health department, her OPT approval marks a significant milestone. Despite her challenges, Schneid remains determined to forge ahead and build a fulfilling life in her adopted country.
Her resilience and perseverance are testaments to the fortitude of international students navigating the complexities of postgraduate life in the United States.
On the court, Schneid led her team to a triumphant victory in the NCAA tournament, clinching a decisive win against New Heaven in the first round with a score of 3 to 1.
Her exceptional performance filled the audience with pride and resonated deeply with her family, who stood by her throughout her journey.
Her final season at Mercy University was the most challenging of her volleyball career. She grappled with the weight of expectations and the impending conclusion of her collegiate athletic endeavors.
Despite the pressure, Schneid remained steadfast in her commitment to excellence, driven by the unwavering belief that dedication and hard work would eventually yield success.
A pivotal moment in Schneid’s volleyball career occurred during a critical game against Queens College last season. Faced with a losing streak that jeopardized their chances of making it to the playoffs, Schneid and her team rallied together with a winning mentality, ultimately defeating their opponents with a resounding 3×0 victory.
This transformative experience is a testament to Schneid’s leadership and determination, elevating Mercy University’s female volleyball team to the top 32 teams in NCAA DII.
Schneid’s decision to choose Mercy University over other schools was instrumental in shaping her journey and fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Her unwavering dedication to her teammates and the program is reflected in her parting words, where she emphasizes the importance of investing effort and commitment in volleyball and academics.
As Schneid embarks on a new chapter, she carries the enduring legacy of perseverance and excellence cultivated at Mercy.
As she transitions into the next phase of her life, Schneid’s bond with volleyball remains unbreakable. It is a cornerstone of her identity and a constant source of inspiration.
Her remarkable achievements exemplify the resilience and determination of international students, mainly Brazilians, who are driven to leave a lasting impact wherever they go.
In leaving her mark at Mercy University, Schneid has fulfilled her dreams and affirmed the enduring legacy of Brazilian excellence on the global stage.
