Julia de Almeida Rego Bressane Guimaraes is an 18-year old degree seeking freshman from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil double majoring in International Business and International Affairs.  This will be her first semester playing for the Gladiator’s volleyball team and she has always played as a right-side/outside hitter or “Ponta” in Portuguese.  Guimaraes first began playing volleyball at 12 years old for the JV team at her school.  She was captain throughout high school and received the Coach’s Award at the end of the season.  After graduating, Guimaraes would like to spend a few years working for the Doctors Without Borders before moving back to South America.  Her favorite sports team is the soccer team from Brazil, Botafogo.  A random fact about Guimaraes is that she has 38 cousins, all male and all older than her.  She loves to watch Botafogo games at the Maracana with them!