February 7, 2023

Tisch Sports Student Spotlight: BS in Sport Management Candidate Dahlia Miranda Monteiro

Born to Cape Verdean parents and raised in the city district of Carouge in Geneva, Switzerland, Dahlia Miranda Monteiro is a senior in the BS in Sport Management program at the NYU SPS Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport. She speaks six languages: Creole, English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. An avid basketball fan, she plays on the NYU Women’s Basketball Team, where she currently serves as team manager. She picked up a basketball at age seven after watching her sister play, and since then, she has not 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.

What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about basketball and its culture. I have played at every level possible throughout my career, from the pro club in Europe and the Swiss national team to college basketball, and I really enjoy each part of the game and its culture on and off the court. I am also very passionate about storytelling, art, fashion, and how it goes along with the culture of basketball.

What does basketball teach you?
Basketball literally teaches me the core of humanity­—that is, “living together in harmony.” It teaches me how to be a leader and serve people to achieve the same goal. It teaches me discipline, never to give up, to be creative, fearless, and respectful, and to cooperate with people without even knowing them.

Why did you choose NYU SPS and the Tisch Sports degree program for your studies?
I thought that NYU, which is known as one of the best universities in the world, would be the ideal place for my ambitions and personality to thrive in outstanding academic programs and in a city where the sky’s the limit. Moreover, the bachelor’s program was known for having renowned professors. How could I say no to NYU Tisch Sports?

How have you found the SPS experience?
The SPS experience gave me more than I expected. I loved the many opportunities I have had, from my very first week having Kevin Durant on a welcome Zoom meeting to my internship with the WNBPA to guest speakers who came to my classes. We have had folks from the NBA, BAL, NIKE, WNBA, the Jets, Apple, Project Backboard, and even the legendary Sue Bird.

Do you have any favorite professors or classes and if so, why?
One of my favorite classes was “How Basketball Can Save The World” with professor David Hollander. That class absolutely describes my mindset toward basketball. For my final project in his class, I produced a short film called “We Rise Women Bball” that was featured in a FIBA article, which was unbelievable. I just started as a teaching assistant in this class this semester.

How has the TA experience been? What does it entail and what do you like about it?
The experience has already been impressive. I am the point of contact for all our amazing guests. It is a big responsibility to have. My role is to assist Professor Hollander in everything from grading to social media content to preparing assignments for a class of 120 students. It is such a pleasure to work with one of the most recognized professors at NYU. He really brings the pioneers of basketball to the students.

Would you like to play professional basketball?
I am super grateful to have already played professional basketball in Europe when I was younger. Before playing for NYU, I played for the Pro A team in Switzerland (Geneva Elite). It was an amazing experience to play alongside professional players from all around the world. My goal is to make my way to the other side of the game, the business and cultural side, and still play at some events, such as with the 3x3 Swiss National team. My favorite WNBA team is the Sparks. However, since I am in NYC, I have to say that the Liberty took my heart as well!

What are your plans after graduation?
My plan is to pursue a graduate degree in Fall 23 and intern at a company at the same time. I am interested in the MS in Global Sport here at NYU SPS and a few other school programs. For my professional life, my primary goal remains to link my passion to my job and contribute to the evolution of society through the prism of basketball, entertainment, innovation, and business.

What advice do you have for new students?
If I could give one piece of advice to new students, it would be to enjoy every second of this experience and not to be scared to introduce yourself to the faculty, your professors, or guest speakers. What I realized is that you need to be fearless in networking because amazing opportunities will come from there. Be the leader of your own life with positivity and faith.


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