Gainesville, FL

Santa Fe College sophomore libero/defensive specialist Lauanna Pino Watanabe has committed to continue her volleyball career at Texas Southern University. Standing at 5'6", the São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil native brings a wealth of experience and a strong defensive presence to the Tigers roster.

During her 2023 and 2024 seasons at Santa Fe College, Pino showcased her defensive skills by accumulating 406 digs over 52 games. Notably, she improved her hitting percentage from .056 in the 2023 season to an impressive .364 in 2024, showing her dedication to improving her all-around game.

Watanabe will be joining a Texas Southern University volleyball program that competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The Tigers, under the leadership of Head Coach Alexis Austin, play their home matches at the Health and Physical Education Arena in Houston.

With her international background and collegiate experience, Pino is set to make a significant impact on the court as the Tigers aim for success in the upcoming season.