Meet the Matadors: Ana Carolina Lopes Queiroz

By Sofia Puga 

Persistence can prove to be a practice that leads you to greater heights. For freshman Ana Carolina Lopes Quieroz, building skills over time is what eventually landed her a spot on Arizona Western's volleyball team. 

"I started playing with my father and our church," Quieroz said. "He made me go; I didn't like it at the beginning because I was horrible. Then I started to learn, and I went through some clubs and leagues, and now I'm here."

Ana's main skills are highlighted on offense, where she plays on the right side. Her main tasks are hitting and blocking, which she plans to improve upon for next season. 

"I would like to be more offensive on my block to help the defense," Quieroz said. 

Ana grew up in Brazil; she says one challenge she had to overcome was the language barrier. With perseverance and help from the college, Ana is now more self-assured and comfortable with her communication skills. 

"Right now, with the professors and practicing every day, I feel confident with my English," Quieroz said. 

Quieroz noted that Arizona Western's volleyball program is among the best in the country and that is what helped make her decide to play for Arizona Western. 

"I think the school has a really good program," Quieroz said. "We have good professors, good spaces for studying, and I like the Yuma weather."

Ana's field of study is medicine, and she plans to work in healthcare. Eventually, she wants to apply to medical school either in the United States or back in her home country of Brazil. 

Off the court, Quieroz is into fitness, likes to attend church and enjoys shopping at the mall. 

Besides being an avid listener of Bad Bunny, Ana's main hobby is cooking. Taught by her mother, she cooks a variety of Brazilian dishes. 

"I really like to do steaks with rice, sometimes with pasta," Quieroz said. "I also like to make pizza and some desserts like cake."

Ana Quieroz and the Lady Matador's' Volleyball team will kick off the 2026 season in August, where they will aim for another playoff run.