Saber’s Journey: From the Playground to the Collegiate Level

As a 9 year old, Diana Saber knew she had a chance to succeed on the soccer field. A decade later, Saber will leave Syosset High School as one of the greatest athletes to ever progress through the Syosset soccer program. 

Saber always had a passion for game and her work ethic was put on full display when she tried out for the Varsity team as a freshman and made it.  Shortly there after, Saber was on the starting line.

“Making Varsity as a freshman was obviously a huge accomplishment,” Saber said. “I worked very hard in the offseason to become a starter and to see the hard work payoff is one of the most rewarding things for me as a player.” 

As a Brave, Saber showed her versatility as a player playing defense, mid field and even forward during her four year tenure as a Brave. 

“I started at defense my freshman and sophomore year,” Saber said. “ My Junior year, coach Marchetta decided to move me up to forward and mid field because we needed someone who could take the ball up the field and finish.” 

Allie Girardi, who also was a four year Varsity player and who will play college soccer at Monmouth University, spoke glowingly about the type of person Saber is. 

“She’s the type of person who you can trust on and off the field, no matter how big or small the issue is,” Girardi said. “She’s always going to be there for you to help you figure it out.” 

In her Senior season Saber was named one of the captains of the Braves and under her leadership helped lead Syosset to a 12-0-2 regular season record and give Syosset the conference championship. 

Saber spoke about the significance of winning the conference in her final season as a Brave. “The goal since the start of my Senior year, as a captain, was to win the conference,” Saber said. “The hard work and dedication throughout the season made it all possible. I was so proud of the way we fought all year to try to win our conference.” 

Saber capped a memorable season for the Syosset soccer program, as she scored 9 goals, dished out 8 assists and was named an All-County athlete: an award going to the most prestigious players at their respective positions. When asked about receiving the All-County award Saber said, “It was a huge honor to be selected and to know that all the hard work had really payed off.” 

Saber’s mother Carmella is proud of the person Diana has become. “Diana has emerged into a beautiful young lady who has remained true to herself and her dream,” Carmella said. “As her parent I couldn’t be more proud.” 

Though Saber’s career as a Syosset Brave has come to an end, Saber’s soccer career is far from over. In the fall Saber will attend Wagner college to continue her career under coach Mike Minielli. 

Minielli was impressed with Saber’s ability to play both forward and defense. “Diana is primarily a defender, though she also has lately been playing forward with success in finding goals,” Minielli said. “We will be looking at her in both roles as anyone who can score is a prime commodity.” 

After visiting the campus of Wagner, it became clear right away to her that Wagner was the right school to spend the next four years of her life. 

“I fell in love with the campus the second I stepped foot on it,” Saber said. “I got that feeling that it was the school I wanted. It has both my major and the soccer program I was looking for.” 

As her time at Syosset High School continues to dwindle down, Saber is ready for the challenges that await her.