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ASU Soccer: Freshman Dehakiz brings experience, energy

By Edwin Perez

TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky performs during the third quarter of the college football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Sun Devil Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky performs during the third quarter of the college football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Sun Devil Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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ASU soccer defender Isabel Dehakiz brings energy and vision to the pitch that will help reach her goals which includes making Sweet 16 of NCAA tournament.

Isabel Dehakiz is sixth in minutes of all freshmen and second of all defensive freshmen players. It is evident she has been an important part of the team’s defense this season.

She has not always been a right back like she is for Arizona State. She grew up playing center midfielder.

She describes herself as one who brings a lot of energy, one with a unique vision and one who can win many 50/50 balls, even though she is not one of the biggest players.

“Izzy is one of the most technically gifted players in this recruiting class,” Coach Graham Winkworth told TheSunDevils.com. “We are hopeful that she will provide immediate competition in the middle of the park.”

Her start in soccer came from her dad, who encouraged her to play at the age of five. She grew to love the game not only for the competition but for the relationships she built.

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“You get a lot of friends playing soccer,” Dehakiz said. “It’s not regular friends but they are like sisters.”

When it comes to her soccer journey to ASU, Dehakiz found success along the way.

Her last team went to Nationals and while she was with her ODP (Olympic Development Program) team, they were named two-time regional and national champions for Southern California.

These moments have brought her valuable experiences that will be beneficial for the Sun Devils. She left California to come to Tempe, inspired by some family members that lived 15 minutes away but also the vibe she felt from ASU.

“You get the academics and athletics,” Dehakiz said. “People notice your’e both in Barrett and soccer, not just soccer.”

She has goals for both on and off the pitch. Off the pitch, she hopes to graduate from the Barrett Honors College. On the pitch, she wants to have one of the top fitness scores on the team and be recognized by a national team (Colombia or the United States). On a team level, her goal is to reach the Sweet 16 or beyond in the NCAA Tournament.

Next. ASU Soccer: Sun Devils end regular season with loss to Stanford. dark

Outside of soccer, she enjoys photography. She also enjoys nature, including taking walks or being where she calls her happy place – the beach.

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand by Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.