Ana Paula Connelly

Also known as Ana Paula Henkel, Ana Paula Rodrigues Connelly Henkel

Journalist Sportswoman: Volleyball Player (former)

Born: Feb 13, 1972age 54
height: 6'0" (or 182 cm)
nationality: Brazilian

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Career

Active 1987 – 2010

Biography

About Ana Paula Connelly

Edited by the community

Ana Paula Connelly's career spans two sports and four Olympic appearances, a feat that sets her apart from most athletes. Born in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil, she first made her mark in indoor volleyball, representing her country at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics. With the Brazilian national team, she won three World Grand Prix titles and earned medals at the 1996 Olympics and the 1994 FIVB World Championship. In 2003, she transitioned to beach volleyball, winning the FIVB World Tour with Sandra Pires and again in 2008 with Shelda Bede, competing in the Olympics in 2004 and 2008. Her professional career wrapped up in 2010 after 23 years of active play.

After retiring, Connelly moved to Los Angeles, California, where she pursued a degree in architecture at UCLA. She is now working toward a master's degree in political science. Her career change is matched by a shift into media, where she has applied her background as a journalist. She is known for her conservative views and has written a column for the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo, as well as joining the news station Jovem Pan.

At 54 years old, Connelly stands 6'0" and holds the distinction of being both a former volleyball player and an active journalist. Her Latin heritage and Brazilian nationality are central to her identity, and her journey from Olympic athlete to academic and commentator gives her a unique voice. She continues to draw a following, with 2.0 million Instagram followers. Her story is one of reinvention, from sand and court to classroom and newsroom.

Profile details

Personal

Years Active: 1987-2010 (started around 15 years old; 23 years active)
Birthplace: Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Ethnicity: Latin

Body

Weight: 150 lbs (or 68 kg)

Extra

Instagram Followers: 2.0m (as of May 2026)

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Frequently asked

What is her educational background after retiring from sports?

She majored in architecture at UCLA and is currently studying for a master's degree in political science.

Which newspapers or news outlets has she been associated with?

She wrote a column for O Estado de S. Paulo and joined the news station Jovem Pan, where she shares her conservative views.

Which partners did she have when winning the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour?

She won in 2003 with Sandra Pires and in 2008 with Shelda Bede.

What is her height and build as a former athlete?

She is 6'0" tall and weighs 150 lbs, giving her an athletic build.

Did you know

She competed in both indoor and beach volleyball at the Olympics, appearing in four different Games.
She won the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour twice, with two different partners.
After retiring, she moved to Los Angeles and studied architecture at UCLA.
She is a Brazilian journalist who has written for O Estado de S. Paulo and appeared on Jovem Pan.
At 2.0 million followers on Instagram, she carries significant social influence.