September 23, 2024 - Dartmouth, MA —
“It wasn’t just luck or talent” shared Darian Dias on Friday, September 20th, the night she received her 1000th career dig for the Spartans. Darian Dias of New Bedford is a senior captain for the Bishop Stang High School volleyball team, and she worked vigorously to get there. Ever since picking up the sport in seventh grade, she always gave everything she had before, during, and after practices and games. Once she started playing, she never stopped - committing herself to the sport and the teams she played on along the way.
Darian Dias grew up as the youngest child in her family with only having cousins in the sport to admire. “They were like my older sisters and biggest role models, so I wanted to be just like them,” she shared. Shortly after, she began practicing and playing as hard as they did, growing to dedicate herself to and love the sport wholeheartedly. She recalls volleyball teaching her that if she really wants something, she must perform at her very best, realizing that it’s up to her to put in the extra time and effort it requires.
Volleyball is not an easy sport, it takes athleticism, memorization, adaptability, and determination to get to every ball, especially for the position of a libero - the position that is vital for keeping the ball in play. Darian has grown to possess all of these qualities and more, thus leading her to achieve this celebratory accomplishment for Stang and herself.
Notably, this sport requires a strong team, whether that is the actual team you are playing on, or the family supporting you every step of the way. Darian fortunately has both. She shared, “My dad is my biggest supporter...Even after all the volleyball activities he signed me up for, we would still come home after the camps/clinics/practices and play even more volleyball in the backyard.” Even her current coach, Amanda Tarantelli, said “She watches and studies the game more than anyone I have ever seen. One of the many reasons she is so talented is because she has such a high volleyball IQ.” Her support system is behind her every step of the way as she ensures her legacy and impact with her high level of commitment. Darian Dias does not give up, and in this sport, with this accomplishment, it is shown.
Even in this monumental moment of her volleyball career, all she was thinking about was how great this event reflects Stang volleyball as a program, and the many younger girls this is inspiring. Darian Dias is not only a great volleyball player, but she is kind, selfless, and motivated. She is achieving all of these incredible titles not just for herself, but for her supporters, teammates, family, and coaches. This 1000th dig of hers is just a small testament to the many incredible things that will soon line her future.
Story by Chrishtiona Stephenson ‘27
Photos Courtesy of Jen Lima Photography