Born: 1959 (Potirendaba, São Paulo, Brazil)
Biography:
Hortência Maria de Fátima Marcari, born on September 23, 1959, in Potirendaba, São Paulo, Brazil, is widely regarded as one of the greatest female basketball players in Brazilian history. Alongside her fellow countrywoman Paula, Hortência is considered one of the world’s most exceptional female basketball players of all time. Recognized for her remarkable skills and talent, Hortência’s contributions to the sport have earned her a place in numerous prestigious halls of fame.
Of Italian descent, Hortência’s grandparents immigrated to Brazil from Italy. Growing up in a working-class family, Hortência’s father was a laborer, and her family initially disapproved of her passion for sports. They believed that her focus should be on contributing to the family income, particularly after witnessing her father’s injury on the field. However, Hortência’s determination eventually won them over, and she was given the freedom to pursue her dreams.
Hortência’s journey in basketball began at the age of thirteen when she started playing street basketball at her school gym. Her exceptional talent did not go unnoticed for long. In 1973, Waldir Paga Perez, the coach of Brazil’s national basketball team, saw Hortência’s potential and invited her to join the team. Remarkably, at the age of fifteen, she became a member of the national team, marking the start of her extraordinary career.
Her foray into professional basketball started with São Caetano Esporte Clube, where she quickly became a household name in Brazil. Throughout her career, Hortência played for various teams, including Associação Prudentina, C.A Minercal, C.A Consteca/Sedox, NCNB Ponte Preta, and ADC Seara. In 1996, one year before Hortência’s retirement, Janeth Arcain began playing in the WNBA, emerging as the next star of Brazilian women’s basketball.
Hortência’s impact extended beyond her exceptional skills on the court. She became a role model and idol for many young female basketball fans in the cities where she played. Her influence was particularly significant during her time at Prudentina, where fans would eagerly seek her autograph on her way to games.
Her international experience began in 1976 when Brazil’s women’s national basketball team won the South American juvenile championship in Paraguay. In 1979, she contributed to her team’s fourth-place finish at the Pan American Games in Puerto Rico. Hortência and the national team continued to improve their performances in subsequent years, winning a bronze medal at the Pan American Games in Venezuela in 1983.
In 1987, Hortência and the Brazilian women’s national basketball team achieved a remarkable feat by winning the silver medal at the Pan American Games in Indianapolis. Their success continued in 1991 when they clinched the gold medal at the Pan American tournament held in Cuba. Hortência’s outstanding contributions to the team’s victory further solidified her place in Brazilian basketball history.
Hortência retired from professional basketball in 1996, leaving a lasting legacy. Her achievements have been recognized and honored by her induction into several prominent sports halls of fame. In 2002, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, followed by her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2007, she further solidified her legacy by being enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame.
Hortência Marcari, known as Hortência in her country and affectionately called The Queen, remains an icon in Brazilian basketball. Her skill, determination, and dedication to the sport have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue their dreams on the court. Hortência’s immense contributions to women’s basketball have forever secured her place as one of Brazil’s greatest sports legends.
Awards:
– Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (inducted in 2002)
– Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (inducted in 2005)
– FIBA Hall of Fame (inducted in 2007)