Clarissa dos Santos
A powerhouse Brazilian forward whose relentless energy and rebounding prowess made her a defensive anchor for club and country.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Brazilian basketball player·Birthday: March 10·Millennials
Biography
Clarissa dos Santos, known simply as 'Cla,' carved out a professional basketball career defined by sheer physicality and an unwavering work ethic. Hailing from São Paulo, her game was never about finesse; it was built on muscle, hustle, and an almost preternatural sense for the ball off the rim. This made her a rebounding force, first in Brazil's domestic league and later on international stages. Her toughness earned her a stint in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky, where she provided essential interior defense. Dos Santos became a fixture for the Brazilian national team, her blue-collar style perfectly complementing more celebrated scorers. Her journey through top European clubs like Basket Landes underscored her value as a veteran presence who could change games without needing a single play called for her.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Clarissa was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Clarissa Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Clarissa's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played professionally in the WNBA for the Chicago Sky and for top European clubs in the EuroLeague Women.
- Has been a key member of the Brazilian women's national basketball team in multiple international competitions.
- Won multiple club championships in Brazil and was a dominant force in the Brazilian league.
Did You Know?
She is known for her distinctive and aggressive defensive style of play.
Dos Santos has played for over half a dozen professional clubs across Brazil, the United States, and Europe.
She has a significant social media following where she shares fitness and training content.
“My role is to rebound, defend, and do the hard work inside.”
