Chambana Sun

Fighting Illini sophomore Lety Vasconcelos will be absent from the 2024-25 basketball season following a torn ACL sustained during summer workouts. The athlete, hailing from Miguel Calmon, Bahia, Brazil, underwent surgery in mid-October.

"We are all heartbroken for Lety with the news of her season-ending injury," said 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!"

Vasconcelos expressed her feelings about the situation: "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," she 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."

The 6'7" center transferred to Illinois after completing her freshman year at Baylor where she played 17 games last season. During her time there, she averaged 1.1 points and 2.1 rebounds over 99 minutes of playtime. Vasconcelos also played high school basketball at Montverde Academy in Florida, contributing to their consecutive GEICO High School National Championships.