Basketball is Her Everything, da Silva Aims for Greatness with Tide!

Basketball for most it's just a game of fun, a hobby, but for a select few it's a way of life. It's their way to make it in this world.

That's how it is for senior Alana Goncalo da Silva, bringing her talents to the United States from Sao Paulo, Brazil. The process was one to get used to but once Silva did, she blossomed and made the Crimson Tide her family. Overcoming the language barriers and the lifestyle was an experience but da Silva worked through it.

"I had to get used to the culture and the way people do things here in the states, it's very different from back home, especially the food and language," said da Silva.

She started her career at New Mexico Junior College where she could get accustomed to the culture change and become comfortable with college basketball.

With all new adventures, there are hurdles to jump and cracks to repair.

Coco Knight, senior for the Crimson Tide, knows first-hand what it took for da Silva to get where she is now.

"Coming from Brazil, going to a junior college and tearing her ACL sophomore season was a challenge and she conquered it. She never gave up because she has a dream to fulfil," said Knight.

With challenges conquered, tearing her ACL and having to get used to the culture in the United States she wasn't about to settle for less. With the season coming up fast da Silva is ready to take over and show the country what she's got to offer.

"During the off-season, I've worked on my shot, slowing down and driving to the hoop. I think with the work I've put in I am going to get more playing time. I am really excited about that," said da Silva.

With the team making it to the NIT (National Invitation Tournament) last year, the girls have their goals set higher.

March is one of the greatest times of year for sports fans, it's when the cinderella's come alive, the miracles happen and the nets get cut down. Tears fall, smiles rise and players get their Kodak moment in the history books. Alabama wants a taste of that.

The schedule is stacked especially in SEC play, but da Silva said the team is prepared for every game to be tough.

"Every game is going to be hard, we play South Carolina, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Kentucky. It's always hard playing the Wildcats," said da Silva.

A new team and new dreams don't just get the players excited. The Alabama faithful is looking forward to what the new year has to offer.

Michael Johnson, a student at the University of Alabama and friend of da Silva, has gone to majority of the women's games the past year and is excited to see the team in action.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how the team has grown over the offseason. They had a lot of young talent last year, including Alana, and they've had time to develop. It's time to make a statement," said Johnson.

As the season gets closer and predictions start to be made, da Silva has her goals set for the future but knows senior year is everything to make those goals reality.

"I want to play basketball overseas and make money for as long as I can. I am the first in my family to go to college so to be successful means more than just basketball," said da Silva.

As the seasons come and go, the passion is steady and the heart is constant.

"Alana is passionate, her love for the game is pure," said Knight.

Basketball for most is just a game but for people like da Silva its more than just that, it's their way of making it in life. As the season gets closer and the pressure builds up, da Silva and the Crimson Tide are ready to make a statement.

They are ready to let the wave crash in and get a taste of what March Madness is all about.