By Jorge Sanchez Jr.
Pleasanton Rage Story teller

For Marjan Haydaree, the road back to competitive soccer was never going to be easy.

The Pleasanton RAGE newcomer has battled through two torn ACLs, years away from the game and moments where she questioned whether she would ever play competitively again. But despite every setback, soccer continued pulling her back.

Now, Haydaree is embracing a fresh start with the RAGE.

A Concord native and former Afghanistan women’s national team player, Haydaree describes herself as a passionate and vocal player with an attacking mentality.

“On the field, I’m a very passionate player,” Haydaree said. “I’m definitely very vocal, so you will hear me loud and clear.”

Her love for soccer started at a young age while watching her older sister compete. Before soccer, Haydaree spent time in gymnastics, where she developed discipline and competitiveness early in life — traits that eventually carried into her soccer career.

“I remember going to all her games and thinking, ‘How come I’m not playing?’” Haydaree said. “I wanted to feel that same way.”

That competitive drive eventually led her to the international stage.

After competing in Afghan community tournaments, Haydaree caught the attention of Afghanistan national team coaches and later earned the opportunity to represent the country internationally. One of her most memorable moments came during a friendly match against Qatar in Doha, where she scored her first international goal.

“Representing Afghanistan is probably one of my greatest accomplishments,” Haydaree said. “It definitely humbles you and makes you grateful for what you have.”

Over the years, she represented Afghanistan in countries including India, Pakistan, Japan and Uzbekistan, experiences she says shaped her perspective both on and off the field.

Her soccer journey, however, was interrupted by major injuries.

Haydaree tore her first ACL during her senior year of high school on the same day she verbally committed to Long Beach State. Years later, after recovering and returning to play, she suffered another ACL tear in her opposite knee while attempting to rediscover her love for the game through co-ed competition.

“At the time, everybody explained it as a career-ending injury,” Haydaree said. “As a young kid, that stays in your mind.”

The repeated setbacks pushed her away from competitive soccer for several years. During that time, she focused heavily on fitness and personal training while also volunteering as a coach at Diablo Valley College.

Still, the competitive side of her never disappeared.

“I work out a lot, but it’s not the same as playing soccer,” Haydaree said. “Something kept pulling me back into that feeling.”

Eventually, Haydaree decided to give soccer one more chance and signed up for Pleasanton RAGE tryouts almost on impulse. Even on the morning of tryouts, she admitted she nearly convinced herself not to go.

Instead, she showed up — and quickly found herself reconnecting with the game she missed.

Since joining the RAGE, Haydaree says the team culture immediately stood out. She credits the group’s positivity, accountability and support for helping ease her transition back into competitive play.

“The camaraderie is the biggest thing,” Haydaree said. “Everyone pushes each other and wants the best for each other.”

Haydaree has also embraced a leadership role within the squad, especially when it comes to encouraging younger teammates and helping build confidence on the field.

As she continues working her way back into full form, Haydaree hopes fans recognize the heart and determination this year’s team plans to bring every match.

“We’ll never give up,” Haydaree said. “I want fans to remember us as a strong team with a positive bond.”

Haydaree also hopes young girls watching from the stands can someday see themselves on the field wearing a RAGE jersey of their own.

“I know there are little girls that come watch us play,” Haydaree said. “One day they’re going to be on that field too.”

For Haydaree, the connection between the team and supporters is a major part of what can make this season special.

“Continue to come support and keep watching because that’s what drives us too,” Haydaree said. “Having fans there gives us somebody to role model for.”

For Haydaree, this opportunity with the RAGE represents more than just another season of soccer. It is proof that perseverance, belief and passion for the game can still create new beginnings  even after years of adversity.

And after everything she has overcome, she is ready to make the most of it.