Spartanburg, South Carolina, August 12, 2025
News Summary
Dara Russo has made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer for USC Upstate with a total of 39 goals and 68 points. A standout athlete, Russo’s achievements include multiple honors such as Big South Freshman of the Year and back-to-back Big South Offensive Player of the Year. Overcoming challenges during her recruitment journey, Russo has played a key role in elevating the Spartans to new heights, including a Big South Tournament title. As she prepares for her senior season, her focus remains on team success and contributing to the program’s legacy.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Dara Russo, a standout soccer player for USC Upstate, has made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer in the program’s history. This achievement is marked by a remarkable total of 39 goals and 68 points during her collegiate career, a testament to her exceptional talent and hard work on the field. Russo’s emergence as a key player has led the Spartans to new heights, including securing the Big South Tournament title in 2024.
Initially a late recruit from Miamisburg, Ohio, Russo faced frustrations in her recruitment journey, feeling overlooked by several Division I schools. However, a turning point occurred when she participated in an identification camp at USC Upstate. During this camp, a coaching staff member recognized her name, recalling her cousin, Mia Raiff, who had previously played for the Spartans. Following this encounter, Russo was offered a spot on the team and quickly committed to USC Upstate.
Upon joining the program, Russo’s trajectory coincided with that of new head coach Sharif Saber. Despite modest expectations in her freshman year, Russo made an immediate impact, earning the Big South Freshman of the Year honors in 2022. She faced personal challenges related to anxiety and feelings of self-doubt but ultimately learned to trust her instincts and abilities on the field.
Throughout her career at USC Upstate, Russo has logged over 3,800 minutes of play, greatly contributing to the team’s success. The Spartans had struggled in the Big South Conference prior to her arrival but have since established themselves as perennial contenders. Russo’s back-to-back Big South Offensive Player of the Year honors further cement her status as a top scorer and a valuable member of the team.
Coach Saber has praised Russo not only for her scoring prowess but also for her humility and work ethic, highlighting her role as an exemplary teammate. As she enters her senior season, Russo is placing her focus on team success rather than individual accolades. She is committed to winning the regular season and tournament, aiming to advance further in the NCAA postseason.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Russo is majoring in communications with a focus on public relations. She has expressed aspirations of playing professionally after graduation and hopes to inspire other overlooked athletes to be patient and trust their journey. Her sentiments about the team environment at USC Upstate reflect a strong sense of camaraderie, emphasizing the close-knit bond shared by teammates both on and off the field.
With one season left to play, the foundation Russo has built at USC Upstate is already secure, marking her legacy as a central figure in the program’s recent transformation and success. The Spartans look forward to the contributions of this remarkable athlete as they continue their pursuit of excellence in the upcoming season.
FAQ Section
Who is Dara Russo?
Dara Russo is a soccer player for USC Upstate, known for being the all-time leading scorer in the program’s history with 39 goals and 68 points.
What challenges did Russo face during her recruitment?
Initially, Russo was a late commit and felt overlooked by many Division I schools, leading to frustrations during the recruitment process.
How did Russo end up at USC Upstate?
Russo participated in an ID camp at USC Upstate, where a coach recognized her potential, leading to an offer to join the team.
What accomplishments has Russo achieved at USC Upstate?
Russo earned honors such as Big South Freshman of the Year in 2022 and back-to-back Big South Offensive Player of the Year, contributing significantly to the team’s recent successes.
What is Russo’s focus for her senior season?
As she enters her final college season, Russo aims for team success, targeting the regular season and tournament wins, with aspirations to advance in the NCAA postseason.
What are Russo’s career plans after graduation?
Russo is majoring in communications with a focus on public relations and has expressed interest in pursuing a professional soccer career after graduation.
Key Achievements Overview
| Achievement | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Big South Freshman of the Year | 2022 | Earning recognition for outstanding performance in her freshman season. |
| All-time Leading Scorer | 2024 | Accrued a total of 39 goals and 68 points in her USC Upstate career. |
| Big South Offensive Player of the Year | 2023, 2024 | Received the honor in consecutive years for her contribution as a top goal scorer. |
| Big South Tournament Title | 2024 | Helped lead the Spartans to victory in the conference tournament. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- USC Upstate Spartans – Women’s Soccer Exhibition Match
- Charlotte 49ers – Women’s Soccer News
- USC Upstate Spartans – Preseason Honors
- High Point Panthers – Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year
- Daily Tar Heel – Women’s Soccer NCAA Tournament
- Wikipedia: Women’s Soccer
- Google Search: USC Upstate Women’s Soccer
- Google Scholar: USC Upstate Women’s Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Soccer
- Google News: USC Upstate Women’s Soccer
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