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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini sophomore Lety Vasconcelos will miss the upcoming 2024-25 season after sustaining a torn ACL during Illinois’ summer workouts. The Miguel Calmon, Bahia, Brazil native underwent surgery in mid-October.
“We are all heartbroken for Lety with the news of her season-ending injury,” shared head coach Shauna Green. “Lety is a great teammate, competitor, and has been everything you could ask for in a student-athlete. We will be with her throughout this process to help her come back stronger than ever. There’s no doubt that Lety will work extremely hard during this recovery process and continue to pour energy and positivity into our program. Lety is an incredibly strong person, and she will be back!”
“It is with a heavy heart that I share I’ve had a season-ending knee injury, which means I won’t be on the court for this upcoming season,” Vasconcelos said. “Though this setback is difficult, I am fully committed to coming back stronger, and I know I’m in great hands with our team and staff here at the University of Illinois. I remain deeply enthusiastic about our team and all the success that lies ahead this season. Thank you for all your support, and I look forward to returning with even greater strength and resolve.”
Vasconcelos, a 6’7″ center, transferred to Illinois over the summer after completing her freshman season at Baylor. She appeared in 17 games last season for the Bears, averaging 1.1 points and 2.1 rebounds across 99 minutes of action. Vasconcelos played her final two seasons of high school basketball at Montverde Academy in Florida, helping the squad win back-to-back GEICO High School National Championships.
