Soccer Player Beats Cancer & Gets Life-Changing Surprise from WNBA Star Te'a Cooper

In this episode of Drive to Your Dreams, WNBA star Tea Cooper meets Barbara Ribeiro, a resilient soccer player from Brazil whose journey is defined by strength, perseverance, and an unbreakable belief in herself. Barbara opens up about her battle with lymphoma, a life-threatening diagnosis that impacted her body from her neck to her hips. Despite missing multiple semesters of school during treatment, she stayed committed to her education — continuing her studies online and maintaining a strong GPA while fighting for her health. Through it all, Barbara never lost her passion for soccer. Now playing at Albany State, she shares how the game helped her stay focused, motivated, and hopeful during the toughest time of her life. She also reflects on the support from her family, coaches, and teammates who helped her push forward. As they spend time together, Tea Cooper dives into Barbara’s mindset, her resilience, and what it truly means to overcome adversity. The episode builds to an unforgettable moment as Tea, in partnership with Ford and PlayersTV, surprises Barbara with a brand-new Ford Maverick — a life-changing gift that celebrates her journey and her future. Drive to Your Dreams highlights powerful stories of athletes who refuse to give up, proving that with faith, hard work, and resilience, anything is possible. #drivetoyourdreams #playerstv