In the world of sports, perseverance often shines as brightly as victory itself. This is the story of Pâmela dos Santos Soares, a Brazilian prop who embodies the spirit of never giving up. Her journey to becoming a full-fledged member of the Yara national rugby team is a testament to the power of belief and resilience.
Santos' story begins in the city of Santo André, where her love for sports remained dormant until a fateful day in 2015. It was then that she stumbled upon a rugby program, an encounter that would change her life forever. Despite her lack of prior experience, she embraced the challenge, and rugby welcomed her with open arms.
"The team's embrace was immediate, and I felt at home. The sport offered me a unique blend of challenges and camaraderie, and I was hooked," Santos reflects.
From those initial practices at the University of Rio Grande do Sul, Santos' rugby journey took off. She quickly joined a local club, Atlântico Sul Rugby, and her talent and dedication became evident. However, her path to the national team was far from straightforward.
For six long years, Santos attended national team camps, only to be denied a spot each time. Yet, she persisted, driven by an obsession to represent her country. This resilience, in the face of repeated rejection, is a powerful message for athletes and anyone facing adversity.
"I refused to accept defeat. I knew I belonged, and that mindset kept me going," Santos explains. Her determination paid off when Emiliano Caffera, the new head coach, gave her a real chance. Santos seized the opportunity, moving to São Paulo and committing fully to her rugby dream.
The turning point came in 2024 when Brazil secured its place in the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Santos was among the players granted a full-time contract, but the decision to leave her stable life as an accountant was not an easy one.
"Being a Yara is about representing something greater than myself—my family, my roots. It's a privilege and an honor," she says.
Santos' debut as a Yara was an emotional milestone. Her first cap, against a representative team from the US, was a moment of pure joy and gratitude. The support of her rugby 'mother,' Maria Roberta, was instrumental in her journey, and Santos credits her with nurturing her rugby spirit.
The 2025 World Cup was a defining moment for Santos and the Yaras. Despite not playing in the opening match, her presence in the squad was a testament to her hard work and resilience. The experience left an indelible mark, and Santos' favorite moment was hearing the Brazilian crowd chant 'Brazil, Brazil, Brazil.'
"It was a privilege to represent my country on the grandest stage. The Yaras are more than a team; we're a community of warriors," she adds.
As Santos looks ahead to the WXV Global Series Challenger in September, her message to aspiring athletes is clear: "Rugby transforms. It builds character, unlocks potential, and creates family. Never give up; believe in yourself and your dreams."
Santos' story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest victories are those that come after the longest journeys.
