MIES (Switzerland) - Dahlia Miranda Monteiro, a young basketball player from Switzerland and Cape Verde origins, has created a short film that retraces the history of women in basketball, “We Rise, Women Bball”.

With the help of camera operator and editor Quentin Pellier, she tells the story of the rise in power of women in the sport, showing with emotion the determination and fearlessness that allowed women to make their place and impact in basketball.

She also shows the impact that basketball has on women, the confidence, opportunities, and courage that it gives them.

Behind the scenes - with Quentin Pellier, camera operator and editor

Dahlia is currently studying Sports Management at New York University (NYU), and it is for a class entitled “ How Basketball Can Save the World, An Exploration of Society, Politics, Culture and Commerce Through the Game” given by Professor David Hollander that she created this short movie.

“I chose the theme Women in Basketball because it was the theme that most related to me and it’s a cause that concerns me directly. As a player, I wanted to show that women have always played basketball and disprove the notions that women are weak, can’t dunk, crossover or fight to win and that it is boring to watch” said Dahlia. “I wanted to share the message that basketball is universal and inclusive and that we can change mentalities and lives through the sport”.

The Geneva native has been playing basketball since she was seven. She decided to pick up a basketball after watching her sister play. Since then, she has never stopped playing the game.

Rising quickly within the ranks of Basketball in Switzerland, she took part in the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2017 where she won a gold medal in the Skills Contest.

The young basketball player and youth leader is a great example of resilience and hard work. To achieve her current success, she has had to overcome several injuries and find sponsors to help finance her schooling.

She also understands the power of Basketball For Good, she has helped in several of the FIBA Foundation's projects  and has organized a 3x3 basketball tournament that encouraged good health and well-being. She invited specialists to talk to the participants about taking care of their bodies and minds.

Dahlia teaching youths about healthy bodies at her 'Feel Good, Play Good' tournament

Dahlia is very ambitious and is determined to succeed with her basketball team at NYU and to reach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 with the Swiss 3x3 National Team. She also hopes to obtain her Bachelor’s degree with honors to start a career within the global sport industry.