MONTICELLO, Ark. -- Mirela Polete Vasconselos joined the University of Arkansas at Monticello Volleyball staff as an assistant coach, as announced by Head Coach Arlicia Ortiz in June 2026.

Vasconselos arrives in Monticello ahead of the 2026 season after spending five seasons at Henderson State University, including three years as a full-time assistant volleyball coach from 2023-25 and two seasons as the program's graduate assistant from 2021-23.

Prior to joining the staff at Henderson State, Vasconselos began her coaching career in her native Brazil at the University of Ribeirão Preto. In that role, she provided instruction and development opportunities for volleyball and handball student-athletes while gaining valuable experience in coaching and athlete mentorship.

A former collegiate volleyball standout, Vasconcelos competed at both the junior college and four-year levels in the United States. She played two seasons at Indian Hills Community College from 2012-15 before finishing her collegiate career at Campbellsville University in 2015-16. Before her collegiate career in the United States, she competed in Brazil with clubs including Rio Preto Automóvel Clube, Univap Vôlei São José, and Vôlei Rio Preto.

Vasconselos earned an Associate of Arts and Science degree from Indian Hills Community College before returning to Brazil to complete her Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Ribeirão Preto in 2019. She later earned a Master's degree in Health and Education in 2021 and completed a second master's degree in Sports Administration from Henderson State University in 2023. In 2026, she completed her third Master's degree in Business from HSU.

A native of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, Vasconselos brings extensive international playing experience and a passion for student-athlete development to the Cotton Blossoms volleyball program.