Rebeca Martins Guimarães Alves is a dedicated and versatile athlete who proudly represents Tribais CT. Playing multiple positions including quarterback, snapper, B, safety, and wide receiver, Rebeca has embraced every opportunity the game has given her. Her journey in flag football began at the Solare School, where her physical education teacher, now her coach, first introduced her to the sport. Since then, Rebeca has grown through hard work, discipline, and a strong support team behind her. Whether on offense or defense, she steps on the field with confidence, determination, and a heart set on honoring her team, her family, and her faith.

What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
My first contact with the flag was at the Solare school, where my physical education teacher (who is now my coach) introduced me to the sport. And yes, I remember correctly, my first match was in the 2021 Interclasses tournament.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Playing in the Elite 7-on-7 program and Flag Football was fundamental to shaping my identity as a player. These high-level environments demanded from me not only technical excellence, but also discipline, tactical intelligence, and team spirit. I learned to make quick decisions, to communicate clearly, and to trust my companions in pressure situations. More than field skills, these programs taught me values that I carry with me in every workout and game: resilience, humility, and leadership. Without a doubt, they were experiences that strengthened my competitive mentality and helped me understand what it means to be a true athlete.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
My mental preparation for major tournaments is as important as physics. I have the privilege of having a team that walks by my side at each stage of this journey. Psychologist Brenda has a fundamental role in this process — she helps me control anxiety, stay focused, and strengthen my confidence in decisive moments. Coach Luan is my guide on and off the field, always bringing strategies, right words, and a clear vision of what I need to do to evolve. The nutritionist Sheila takes care of my body with affection and precision, ensuring that I am well-nourished and energetic in training and games. And physiotherapist João is essential in my recovery and injury prevention, always attentive to every detail so that I am 100% ready. With this team by my side, I feel safe, prepared, and determined to give my best in any tournament.

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
My pre-game routine is a moment of total concentration. I like to arrive early, warm up calmly, and do specific stretches with the guidance of my physiotherapist João. After that, I usually take a few minutes to take a deep breath, pray, and mentally visualize the game — something I work with my psychologist Brenda to maintain focus and confidence. In the locker room, coach Luan always brings the latest instructions and that word that ignites the fighting spirit. And of course, you can’t miss my hype music — I like to listen to songs that put me in the battle mood, with a strong beat, messages of overcoming, and faith. The combination of physical, mental, and emotional preparation makes me enter the field ready to give it my all.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
When I step on the field, I enter with only one mission: to give my best in each move. My mind is focused, my heart is at peace, and my body is prepared. I remember everything I trained, the guidance of coach Luan, the trust that psychologist Brenda helps me build, and the structure that my entire team — such as Sheila and João — provides me. I take with me not only the will to win, but also the responsibility of representing my team, my family, and my faith. Each snap is an opportunity to show who I am and how much I love this game. No matter the opponent or the scoreboard — I enter to compete with courage, discipline, and honor.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
What keeps me motivated during the off-season and in the most intense training periods is my purpose. I know that every drop of sweat, every repetition, every difficult day is preparing me for something bigger. I have an incredible team by my side — psychologist Brenda helps me keep my mind firm and focused, coach Luan challenges me to constantly evolve, nutritionist Sheila takes care of my foundation responsibly, and João, my physiotherapist, ensures that my body is strong and ready. In addition, I think about the opportunities that God has put in my life, in the people who believe in me, and in the dreams I carry in my heart. I remember that champions are formed away from the spotlight — and it is in this silence that I grow up.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My greatest influence, on and off the field, is God — because it was He who gave me the gift, strength, and opportunities I have lived. In every achievement, in every challenge, I feel like I don’t walk alone. In addition, I am very influenced by the people around me: coach Luan, who believes in my potential and guides me firmly; psychologist Brenda, who teaches me how to overcome internal battles; Sheila, who shows me the value of taking care of my body; and João, who is with me in moments of pain and overcoming. But I’m also inspired by my family and the athletes who came from below, broke barriers, and kept their faith. It is these people who remind me every day that it is possible to go far without losing who you are.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
The most important lesson I learned through this program is that talent opens doors, but it’s the character that keeps you inside. I learned that discipline, humility, and resilience are worth as much as any technical skill. I faced challenges, victories, and defeats, and at every moment I understood that the process is as valuable as the result. The program taught me that it’s not just about playing well, but about being a complete athlete — with a strong mind, prepared body, and heart aligned with purpose. With the support of coach Luan, psychologist Brenda, nutritionist Sheila, and physiotherapist João, I grew as a player and as a person. And above all, I learned that when you walk with faith and total dedication, the impossible becomes just the next step.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
The coaches and mentors of this program have a direct and profound impact on my development, both on and off the field. Coach Luan, for example, is not just a coach — he is a leader who challenges me to grow, corrects firmly, and believes in my potential even when I doubt myself. Psychologist Brenda helps me strengthen my mind, control my emotions, and stay focused on the most decisive moments. Nutritionist Sheila teaches me the importance of taking care of the foundation, the fuel that moves my body. And physiotherapist João is a fundamental piece in prevention and recovery, ensuring that I am always ready to compete at a high level. Each of them inspires me, strengthens me, and is part of my construction as an athlete and as a human being. I am grateful to have a team that believes in me and prepares me to achieve the best of myself.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
Representing my team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments means carrying much more than a uniform: it is taking my history, my faith, and the work of everyone who walks with me. When I enter the field, I feel like I’m honoring every sweaty workout, every guidance from coach Luan, all the support of psychologist Brenda, nutritionist Sheila, and physiotherapist João — and, above all, the trust of my family and the Tribal community. It is an opportunity to show that discipline, humility, and courage can break down any barrier. To wear these colors is to remember that God put me here with a greater purpose: to inspire, compete with integrity, and repay, game after game, the love I receive. It means being an ambassador of my values and proving that, together, we can transform talent into a positive impact inside and outside the field.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
During high-pressure games, I learned to turn anxiety into focus. First of all, I take a deep breath, I remember how much I trained, and I trust the process. I work on this with my psychologist Brenda, who helps me keep my mind firm even in the most challenging moments. I also listen to coach Luan’s guidance, which gives me security and clarity about what I need to do in the field. When something goes wrong, I don’t let frustration take over — I breathe, adjust, and follow. I remember that I am there for a greater purpose, representing my team, my history, and my faith. Pressure is part of it, but it is precisely in these moments that the true athlete appears. I choose to answer with courage, discipline, and confidence.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
My dream is to play for a school or team that values the complete development of the athlete — body, mind, and spirit. I have the desire to be in an environment that challenges me at the high competitive level, but that also respects my values, my faith, and my identity. I would very much like to represent a school in the United States that has a strong flag football or 7-on-7 program, with a structure of excellence and vision of the future. More than a specific name, my dream is to be part of a team where I can grow as a player and as a person, taking with me everything I learned from my base in Brazil, my family, and my technical team — coach Luan, psychologist Brenda, nutritionist Sheila, and physiotherapist João. And, above all, continue to honor the One who gave me the gift: God.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
When I’m not playing football, I like to enjoy my time with simple things that do me good. I love being with my family and friends, laughing, playing, and enjoying relaxed moments. I also like to listen to music, watch movies, and play with my cell phone, especially watching videos of plays and athletes that inspire me. Sometimes, I like to be silent, pray, and recharge my mind. These moments off the field help me balance everything and remind me that, before being an athlete, I am a person full of dreams, faith, and joy.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
My coaches and my parents were and continue to be fundamental in my growth, both as an athlete and as a person. Coach Luan, for example, taught me that excellence does not come only from talent, but from discipline, respect, and daily dedication. He corrects me when I need to, believes me in the most difficult moments, and always reminds me why I started. Psychologist Brenda helps me understand my emotions, deal with pressure, and strengthen my mind. My parents are my base — they support me at every step, cheer for myself on the most difficult days, and remind me to keep my feet on the ground and my heart in the right place. They taught me to be grateful, determined, and never to forget where I came from. With them, I learned that winning goes beyond the scoreboard — it’s about character, humility, and faith.

What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
As a versatile athlete who acts in various positions, I have several routes and coverages that I like to run — but if I had to choose a favorite, I would say that I love running the ‘slant’ route. It requires explosion, fast defense reading, and precision in cutting. I like it because it’s a route that can change the pace of the game, especially in decisive moments. As for defense, I love playing as a safety in zone coverage — I like to read the QB, anticipate plays, and have the chance to make an interception or prevent a big play. Whether attacking or defending, what motivates me the most is the challenge of thinking fast, reacting with intelligence, and impacting the game with strategy.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
My dream is to go as far as possible inside the flag. I want to conquer everything I can, play outside Brazil, win titles… I want to live as much as this sport can offer me.

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
Humility opens many doors and regardless of any situation, I always tried to have humility and understand people in general and always try to get closer to them. Believing in people and getting the best out of them is the best of all to have a good coexistence.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
Just go! If it’s for you, you can be sure you won’t regret it. The experience is unique, it’s amazing, it changes your life. And if it’s your dream, never give it up, because it’s really worth it.

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