Kisy Nascimento Recalls Nicola Negro's Support

The former Gerdau Minas opposite hitter highlights the coach's importance in her career

In an interview with journalist Renata Heilborn, Kisy Nascimento, former Gerdau Minas opposite hitter, recalled Nicola Negro's support during her time at the club. The athlete, who now plays for the Brazilian National Team and Lokomotiv Kaliningrado in Russia, said the Italian coach was fundamental in helping her overcome delicate moments in her career.

Delicate moment in her career

Kisy described a situation where a youth coach told her she wasn't cut out to play, leaving doubts in her mind. “I thought I was always going to be that player who stayed in the corner. And I think that stuck in my head for a long time,” she said. The support from Minas, according to the athlete, was essential for her to believe in herself.

Nicola Negro's support

“I just wanted someone who wouldn't give up on me. And he was the coach who didn't give up on me,” an emotional Kisy said. She highlighted that Nicola let her “go through the tough times,” which helped her build a “thick skin” and win the titles she achieved at the club. The coach, who led the team between 2019 and May 2025, is the most successful manager in the history of the Gerdau Minas women's team.

Achievements at Minas

During Kisy's time at Minas, the opposite hitter won two Women's Superliga titles, in addition to continental and national trophies. In the 2024/25 season, she was the competition's second-highest scorer with 523 points and finished as the best opposite hitter in the South American Club Championship. She was also named MVP of the Women's Superliga in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

The coach's victories

Nicola Negro won 13 titles with Minas: three Women's Superligas (2020/21, 2021/22, and 2023/24), two Brazilian Cups (2021 and 2023), two Supercups (2023 and 2024), three South American Championships (2020, 2022, and 2024), and three Mineiro Championships (2020, 2022, and 2024). He is recognized as the most successful coach in the history of the club's women's team.

Farewell to Minas

In the 2024/25 edition of the national league, Kisy bid farewell to Minas in the semifinals, following a two-games-to-one defeat against Osasco. Since then, the athlete has continued her international career, representing the Brazilian national team and Lokomotiv Kaliningrado.

With information from Rádio Itatiaia, No Ataque.