Bio

Becoming only the seventh All-American in the history of the Cowley College women's basketball program, Ariani Silva left her mark on the school. The talented Brazilian went on to play NCAA Division II basketball before returning home to play for the Brazilian national team. Her success led to her induction into the Tiger Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 29, 2022.

Silva grew up in Franca, Brazil before moving to Americana, Sao Paulo to play basketball and study when she was 14 years old. She graduated from a private high school, Objetivo American, where she helped her team win regional and state championships five years in a row.

"I also participated on the All-American team and we won nationals twice," Silva said. "I was part of the Brazilian national team since 15 years old as well."

Silva heard about Cowley from a Brazilian basketball coach.

"Playing for Coach (Todd) Clark was a gift for me, he taught me so much as a person and as an athlete," Silva said. "He is a serious person, professional, he is a winner and cares so much for his team. He is a wise man, never gets tired, never gives up and he has so much to share. He changed my life and I can't thank him enough."

As a freshman, she helped Cowley to a record of 21-11 by averaging 9.4 points and 4.2 assists per game.

"As a person who chose to play a team sport, I believe that we all gave our best to Cowley and I couldn't do all by myself," Silva said. "Each one of us knew what we needed to do in order to be successful and so we did it as a team."

The move from point guard to off guard took her game to another level as a sophomore as she averaged 13.8 points per game.

"That freshman year was a difficult one for Ariani," Clark said. "She struggled early, but once we got Maylisa Johnson and were able to move Ari to the wing that really helped her a lot."

At the time of her graduation she held the school record for three-pointers made in a season (91) and in a career (126). She was named a Third-Team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American and currently ranks 21st on Cowley's all-time scoring list with 756 points.

"She has great belief in her ability as a player and did not shy away from taking the big shots," Clark said.  "She had a great run here and was a big part of our success."

Silva was previously named the Jayhawk East Most Valuable Player and a first-team all-region selection. She helped Cowley finish her sophomore season as co-champions in the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division and end the season with a record of 25-8.

"I remember how hard the practices were and how easy it was to play in the game," Silva said. "I miss my teammates and my coaches so much, it was the best team I ever participated on and also where my best memories come from. The team chemistry was unreal!"

Silva went on to set single season records in 3-point field goals made, attempted and percentage in her first year at Rogers State University. She then returned home with an opportunity to play for the Brazilian national team.

She is grateful for the opportunity she had to attend school at Cowley and still keeps in touch with her former teammates.

"There are eight of us that before we left Cowley, we decided to get a tattoo to register what Cowley meant to us and it is forever," Silva said. "The crazy thing is that I said I would never get a tattoo with a friend. Can you imagine how important my sophomore year was. It was the best experience I had as a person and as an athlete. Cowley prepares people for life, I can say I'm another person, I wish it could last forever."

Clark is happy to see Silva become only the 10th player in the history of the Cowley College basketball program to be inducted into the Tiger Athletic Hall of Fame.

"She is very deserving of this honor and I am really happy for Ari and her family," Clark said.

Silva currently resides in Franca, São Paulo, and recently became the vice-president for Instituto Chui which is an institution that works with projects that helps people through sports (community service). 

She is still in disbelief over this honor and is looking forward to returning to Arkansas City.

I am feeling pure emotion, happiness and gratitude," Silva said. "I can't wait to remember it all and see the people that I love and have done so much for me. I credit every single person that had crossed my life in a moment. Especially my family, American foster parents, all the professionals, staff, teammates, professors and Cowley Community which helps the college to reach international students. I'm thankful for this opportunity. Thank you so much for this recognition, I honor this community."