Lifelong athlete Daria Zane: commitment, persistence and rewards

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For Daria Zane, childhood afternoons and summers were spent much the same way as Prince George’s youth spend them now—at the community centers playing sports. The lessons she learned there stuck with her for decades. Now, as a special master for the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Zane is sure to keep the fun and action in her life. “My participation in sports was one of the most positive influences in my life. It taught me team skills, leadership skills, healthy diet and fitness habits and provided me a great social network of friends and positive role models,” said Zane. Some of these people are still a part of her life, such as her best friend from childhood with whom she played basketball. Zane did her best in school and at work when she was involved in sports, she said, because it helped her to be more productive. This continued when she went to college at the University of Maryland. As a night student working full-time, Zane did not have the time to commit to playing on a college team, so she continued playing through Prince George’s Parks and Recreation. She was able to realize her dream of playing on a college team, however, when she went to graduate school years later and played for Trinity University on their varsity soccer team. “Sometimes it seems like it’s a long way to get there, but in the end it’s worth it,” said Zane, referring to her journeys both in education and in sports. To other girls, she gave the advice to “just sign up. Give it a try,” even if the activity may seem daunting at first. “If you have an opportunity, become involved in it,” she said, noting all she gained from the same opportunities, because she never quit.