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It took a trip to New York for Sofia Daryaie to discover the right college program was right in her own backyard. The four-star senior from Los Gatos, California happened to partner with the daughter of St. Mary’s volunteer assistant Lisa Alipaz for doubles in the event.

Daryaie began doing more research on the school and learned more about Katharina Winterhalter and her staff.

Four-Star Senior Sofia Daryaie Has Commited to St. Mary's
© Contributed Photo

“I immediately took a huge liking toward the coach. I could tell how passionate she is and focused and dedicated,” said Daryaie, who has verbally committed to the Gaels. “She really wants to develop her players and that is really huge for me. As soon as I started talking with St. Mary’s, it became the No. 1 choice for me.”

Before she decided where she wanted to play in college, Daryaie had to decide if she wanted to play in college. She always had a goal to play professionally, but realized seven months ago that she wasn’t ready.

“A lot don’t take the college route because it’s not easy to have a lot of things on your plate and tennis is not always maintained as the priority,” Daryaie said. “But at the end of the day, I looked at my game and my results were not yet at the point where I felt I’d excel, and college will help me get a great education, which is super important to me.”