Don't tell her father but it seems a strict Portuguese upbringing did nothing to temper Tanya's enthusiasm for life, adventure and fun. With her childhood camping holidays in Africa still fresh in her memory banks, Tanya has thrown herself into the world of travel - big time.
"I love to share my passion with others," she smiles, "and I love travel!" Blessed with an unbelievably positive attitude, she'll say something like "ask yourself what you can do today that will make a positive impact on someone's day" - and actually mean it.
Social, friendly (though she admits to occasionally swearing in Portuguese) and generous, Tanya has a fearsome but well-deserved reputation on the netball court, a sport she equates to life: it's a team effort, you need to get rid of any negativity, and play to win!