In Chicago, skyscrapers cast long shadows—but none quite like the one Kamilla Cardoso brings to the court. It’s 2025, and the Sky’s towering 6-foot-7 center is back in action, not just healed, but honed by months overseas in China with the Shanghai Swordfish. Her rookie season may have been clipped by injury, but the hunger never left. “Last year was kind of rough because I got hurt,” Cardoso said recently. “But now I’m healthy and just happy to be here and play again.”

This season, she’s not just stepping back on the hardwood—she’s stepping into a story that began oceans away, in the sweltering gyms of Montes Claros, Brazil, where a family’s faith and a daughter’s dream first collided.

But who are the people who helped shape this rising star from the shadows—who is the family behind Kamilla Cardoso’s success?

Who Are Kamilla Cardoso’s Parents? What Do They Do?

While limited public information exists about her father, Cardoso has spoken openly about the emotional toll of leaving her mother, Janete Soares, behind in Brazil. “This has been such a good fit for me,” she said in 2020, “but I gave up time with my family.” That sacrifice was particularly painful during her teenage years. She has described herself as a “momma’s girl,” admitting she often cried during classes because of how much she missed her mother.

That bond remains the heartbeat of her story—a driving force behind every rebound and block. Soares, who still lives in Montes Claros, was present for one of Cardoso’s most emotional moments in college. During Kamilla’s senior day ceremony at South Carolina, coach Staley orchestrated a surprise reunion at practice, flying in her mother and older sister from Brazil. Soares, draped in a Brazilian flag, greeted her daughter on the court—an unforgettable moment that spoke louder than any stat line ever could.

Does Kamilla Cardoso Have Any Siblings?

Cardoso also has an older sister, Jessica Silva, who’s also carved her own path back home in Brazil. A fitness specialist and entrepreneur, Silva runs a lingerie brand called Luxuria and shares workout and wellness content on social media. Despite the distance, she’s remained one of Kamilla’s loudest supporters.

After Cardoso helped Coach Dawn Staley secure her third national championship with South Carolina, Silva posted a video celebrating her sister’s achievement. And when she and their mother made the trip to the U.S. for senior day, courtesy of Staley and U.S. Representative James Clyburn, the emotion on both sides was clear—it wasn’t just a visit; it was a reminder of the family’s shared sacrifices and pride.

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What Is Kamilla Cardoso’s Parents’ Nationality?

Kamilla Cardoso is Brazilian, and so is her mother, Janete Soares. A resident of Montes Claros, Janete’s support—from thousands of miles away—has been an anchor for Kamilla throughout her basketball journey. 

And as Cardoso takes her next steps in Chicago, every drive to the basket carries the weight—and love—of the family cheering her on from across the ocean.