Daria delivers for Brandeis

The second time around was just as sweet for Daria Bakhtiari.

A Wilmington resident, Bakhtiari was one of four members of the Brandeis University women’s soccer team to earn a spot on the 2021 United Soccer Coaches All-Region II team. A senior midfielder, she was named to the second team, joining first-team selections Juliette Carreiro and Caroline Swan, as well as third-team selection Yasla Ngoma.

“It feels amazing,” said Bakhtiari, 22. “We had a great season. I couldn’t have done anything I did this season without the rest of my team, so I’m really proud of them. I’m happy I can get recognized with another great award.”

This marked the second time Bakhtiari netted second team All-Region honors, previously accomplishing the feat in 2018.

The 5-foot-10 senior tied with Carreiro for the team lead with seven goals, including two in UAA play. She scored the game-winning tally in the team’s 3-2 upset of Chicago, Oct. 15, and its first goal in the 2-1 win over Rochester. In addition to her offensive skill, the Central Catholic graduate was one of the league’s top defensive midfielders.

Not bad, especially after missing out on her entire junior year due to the 2020 Pandemic.

“It felt good to get back out there and finish what I started,” said Bakhtiari, 22. “It was definitely a little difficult coming off no season, only two games in the spring, and basically playing with half of a new team, but I had my co-captains there to help me out, as well as the rest of the seniors and upperclassmen. It was really great to get the team to mesh and come out with some really good wins.”

When it comes to personal highlight’s, Bakhtiari can’t help but think back to her team’s upset victory over Chicago.

“We won the ball, and somebody passed it up to Yasla,” Bakhtiari recalled. “She took a touch and passed it off to me in the middle of the field about 30-35 yards out. I took my shot, and it went over the keepers head and into the goal.  It was just an amazing feeling, and one of the best goals of my college career. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Born and raised in Wilmington, the former Central Catholic sniper’s next goal is to graduate Brandeis later this month. From there she hopes to begin the process of applying to medical school. She leaves Brandeis with no regrets.

“I’m really sad soccer is over, but I’m really grateful for the entire experience Brandeis gave me,” Bakhtiari said. “It’s definitely a happy ending.”