Darci Johal: From Holy Cross to Holy ‘Cuse!
By Andrew Della Piana | @Dellie_5
Last Saturday, Darci Johal matched her career high with two goals in Syracuse’s 3-1 win at RIT to give the Orange their first victory in 49 days.
The graduate student transferred to the 315 after playing four seasons at the College of the Holy Cross (2019–23). A large part of her decision was that the school does not offer graduate school and after the Crusaders went 7–26-1 last season.
Head coach Britni Smith believes Johal’s development can continue to take this team to the next level.
“She brings a ton of patience and poise to our game,” Smith said. “She’s someone that can really set the tone, it’s important to us to be looking to her to create some offense, and nice to see her break out with two goals last game.”
Through almost the first half of the campaign, the British Columbia native is tied for the team lead in goals with five and has added six assists to her name as well.
“I think I’m just trying to be more consistent and play tough every shift and outcompete the other team, ” Johal said.
When Smith was looking through the transfer portal following her first season as head coach, she thought Johal was the right fit to help the Orange improve their scoring.
“She’s someone who brings in a lot of leadership and experience, ” Smith said. “She’s someone who brings a lot to the table and someone we really look to in a lot of different areas and having four years of college experience definitely helps.”
From Johal’s point of view, the transition from Holy Cross to Syracuse fits like a glove for her as she pursues a Master’s degree in supply chain management.
“It was a mix of a lot of things, ” Johal said. “The coaches, the school, the program just felt right. When I first started talking to the coaches, I knew I made the right choice whether it is academically or athletically.”
Syracuse and Johal play its final game of the 2023 calendar year tonight at the Tennity Ice Pavilion. SU faces off against #4 Colgate.
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