Priscila Heldes, a Brazilian volleyball player and former national team setter, brought global attention to herself after appearing in one of Fluminense’s Brazilian championship matches – while five months pregnant.
“A magical experience” is how Heldes, Fluminense’s setter, described the experience of playing in the Women’s Superliga while pregnant with her son Emanuel.
Now transitioned into a coaching role, Heldes stood out in the quarter-final series, guiding her team with sharp strategy and steady passion. Heldes’s energy and strategic presence impressed the crowd, with fans rising to their feet in admiration, even as her baby bump was clearly visible.
Despite her efforts, Fluminense was knocked out of the play-offs, with Sesi-Bauru winning the best-of-three series 2–1 to advance to the semifinals. Still, Heldes’s dedication did not go unnoticed, with fans and media praising her strength and commitment in the face of both personal and professional challenges.
Reflecting on her journey, Heldes shared, “With every change in my body, every stage of my baby’s development, I realize how wonderful God is and how He takes care of every detail. I’m not the first to keep working during pregnancy, and I won’t be the last – and that is wonderful.”
Though Fluminense’s season has come to an end, Heldes’s story continues to resonate far beyond the scoreboard. Her strength on the court was matched by the love she received off it – especially from the Fluminense faithful.
After a match against Maringá, fans surprised Heldes with a baby shower at Hebraica, Fluminense’s home court this season. It was a heartfelt moment that captured just how deeply her journey had touched the community.
“I wanted to talk about the Fluminense fans. They made a baby shower for me! It was the cutest thing,” Heldes said. “Emanuel’s first diapers came through the Fluminense fans and that was wonderful! It’s one more thing I’m going to tell him.”
From strategic play to shared celebration, Priscila Heldes proved that leadership and love can exist side by side – and that sometimes, the most powerful victories aren’t found on the scoreboard.