Silva signs to play soccer at Pittsburg State
Known as one of the top defensive soccer players in all of the NJCAA, Cowley College sophomore Sthefany Silva will take her talents to the next level as she recently signed a letter of intent to continue her soccer and academic career at NCAA Division II Pittsburg State University.
Silva, who came to Cowley from Brazil, was a First Team all-conference defender during the 2023 season before suffering a season-ending injury in the 2024 season-opener. She returned mentally and physically stronger in the 2025 season, serving as a co-captain for the team.
Silva appeared in all 22 games this season, helping Cowley earn their first KJCCC D1 Women's Soccer regular season title since 2021. Eleven of Cowley's games ended in shutouts this year, with teams averaging 0.67 goals per contest.
She was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Jayhawk Conference for her efforts.
"My experience at Cowley was very special and played a huge role in my journey," Silva said. "As an international student, living away from home during this time taught me much more than just academics and sports. I had the chance to meet people from all over the world, with diverse stories and cultures, and many of them became a part of my family forever. These bonds made all the difference in my adjustment and personal growth."
Silva used her strong leg not only to help the Tiger defense but also to score a pair of goals off free kicks. She helped the Lady Tiger soccer team capture conference and region titles and advance to the national semifinals for the second time in her career as Cowley finished the 2025 season with a record of 15-2-4. The Tigers went 28-7-8 in Silva's two seasons playing for the team.
"I will carry Cowley in my heart forever, as it was an incredible and transformative chapter of my life that will always be a part of who I am," Silva said.
Silva will join a Pittsburg State squad that finished 14-4-2 in the 2025 season, while going 9-1-2 in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
"I decided to go to Pitt State because I felt I would find an environment very similar to what I experienced at Cowley," Silva said. "More than just a space focused on professional and competitive development, I realized that Pitt State values people, a sense of belonging, and the building of a true family. For me, that makes all the difference, especially being far from home."
Lady Tiger head soccer coach Roberto dos Santos has enjoyed the opportunity to watch Silva develop into the player and person she is today.
"Stefany raised the bar for anyone coming to play for Cowley. She is what you would call a perfect student-athlete," Cowley head coach Roberto dos Santos said. "She will be a great defender for Pitt State."