CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Former Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball guard Ana Barreto has signed her first professional contract with Sport Lisboa e Benfica (S.L. Benfica), marking the next chapter of a basketball journey that has taken her from Portugal to the United States and now back home.
Before beginning her collegiate career, Barreto played for Benfica's U19 squad during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. She will now return to the organization to begin her professional career.
"This opportunity means everything to me," Barreto said. "Signing my first professional contract is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice and the support of so many people. Queens became a second home and helped shape me into the player and person I am today. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout my journey. I'll always carry those memories with me as I begin this new chapter."
Before arriving in Charlotte, Barreto spent her first two collegiate seasons at Ball State University. She joined the Royals ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and immediately established herself as a consistent presence in the Queens backcourt.
During her first season with the Royals, Barreto appeared in 29 games and made 27 starts, averaging 8.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 30 percent from downtown. She delivered the best all-around performance of her collegiate career versus Gardner-Webb on Dec. 20, 2024, setting career highs with 21 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, recording her first career double-double. Her 8.3 pointer per game ranked third on the team
Barreto also established herself as one of the Royals' most reliable perimeter threats. She knocked down a then-career-high five 3-pointers at USC Upstate on Nov. 22, 2024, made at least one triple in 21 of her 29 appearances and connected multiple times from beyond the arc in 10 games. She reached double figures in scoring 10 times during the season.
The Portuguese guard elevated her production during her senior campaign, starting all 30 games and averaging 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest. She shot 31.1 percent from downtown and added 29 steals providing assistance on both sides of the court.
One of Barreto's signature performances came against West Georgia on Jan. 24, 2026. She tied her career high with 21 points and established a new personal best with six made 3-pointers. Barreto connected from deep in 23 of 30 games during her final season and buried multiple triples in 16 contests.
Across her two seasons in Charlotte, Barreto appeared in 59 games and made 57 starts, developing into a veteran leader for the Royals.
Barreto's success extended beyond the court. She earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District recognition following both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. The Lisbon native was also selected to the 2025-26 Academic All-ASUN Team, an honor recognizing student athletes who boast a 3.50 cumulative grade point average or better.
Barreto also brings extensive international experience to Benfica, having represented Portugal at multiple levels, including appearances in European and World competition. After four seasons of NCAA Division I basketball, she returns to Lisbon as a more experienced and complete player prepared to contribute to a club that annually competes for championships in Portugal and on the European stage.
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