Brazilian twins Isabel and Laura Carneiro secure US scholarships

Brazilian twins Isabel and Laura Carneiro, aged 16, have moved to the United States to pursue both academic and athletic careers. The sisters from Goiás secured full scholarships to attend high school at Virginia Academy and are currently competing for the beach volleyball team Loudoun Elite Beach.

Previously trained by Instituto ACE, the athletes have a strong background in indoor volleyball, including state titles and runner-up finishes in the Brazilian Under-16 and Under-17 championships. In the Under-16 Brazilian Selection Championship, Isabel served as captain, while Laura was named the best opposite hitter.

Transitioning into beach volleyball, the twins have achieved a historic milestone for athletes from Goiás by qualifying for the AVP Juniors National Championships 2026 in Hermosa Beach, California, and the AVP Juniors East Coast Championships in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Their development is supported by their father, Adriano Cristian Souza Carneiro, a former professional volleyball player and current coach.