Ferreira a pioneer at the Gallagher High Performance Academy
The first Brazilian to be involved in the Gallagher High Performance Academy wants to use the experience to help develop other coaches in her country.
Ferreira has faced many challenges during her rugby career, not least taking a squad of just eight players to Brazil’s national championship; but has used these experiences to improve herself, first as a player and now as a coach.
Her introduction to rugby was unconventional. “I was living in Goiania, the capital of a state in central Brazil, when I was approached on the street by players from the city’s rugby club,” Ferreira told World Rugby.
“They said; ‘You’re big. You are going to be a great rugby player’.”
They were correct, as Ferreira went on to win international honours with Brazil’s Sevens side. But it is as a coach that she now hopes to make her mark on rugby in her home country, through her participation in the Gallagher High Performance Academy.
“I hope to gain more knowledge, maturity and confidence to return and offer a more professional experience to the athletes and other coaches I work with,” she said.
“The programme focuses on talent identification, professional support, championing the next generation of international coaches, developing existing coaching talent, and identifying opportunities for new coaches and other high performance roles.”
Ferreira is currently head coach of the Sao Paulo Saracens team, as well as backs coach of the Sao Paulo Capital regional side, in the city that is a hot-bed of rugby in Brazil.
“I always imagined myself contributing to sports, but becoming a coach only happened because my team always lost coaches to the Brazilian team,” she said.
Reflecting on her time on the programme, Ferreira said: “I've gained a profound understanding of the complexities of high performance sports environments. From intense planning and rapid decision-making, to handling pressure and responding to the team's psychological needs. Each aspect taught me invaluable lessons.
“Overall, this journey has not only broadened my perspective on athletic performance, but also enriched my professional growth in ways I had not anticipated.”