Daniela Passoni still has to pinch herself. 

The Cal State East Bay junior goalkeeper has already been a leader in and out of the pool for the Pioneer water polo program.

Now she's ready for the world stage.

Passoni was recently named vice captain for the South Africa National Team, which will compete in the 2021 Olympic Games.

"It's such a dream," she said. "Just to be able to get the experience and play for my country and to represent it at something like the Olympics is such a dream that has come true for me.

"Being awarded vice captain is just the cherry on top." 

A native of Waverley, South Africa, Passoni was on track to leave the Pioneers for a short stretch in March to compete with South Africa in 2020 before the Olympics were eventually canceled.

And she's no stranger to national team competition. A two-time ACWPC All-American, Passoni initially joined the South Africa water polo system while in high school. 

Passoni recently became even more of a factor within the program when new head coach Delanie Mentoor replaced Pierre Le Roux as head coach.

But when team trials began in December 2020, Passoni wasn't even she would make the final roster, much less be named captain.

"I was so surprised (to be named vice captain)," she said. "I had a tear or two of joy."

Following December trials and a short break for the holidays, Passoni and teammates now work out twice a day with weight sessions three times a week. 

The team will have one final set of trials in February, which will further reduce the number of players on the team as they continue to prepare for the summer. 

With the Pioneers' 2020 season canceled midway through, followed by a complete cancellation of the 2021 campaign, Passoni hasn't stepped foot in the United States since last spring. 

Until she returns, the Pioneers' two-year starting goalie is looking toward the future.

"I haven't seen my teammates face-to-face in so long, and I really do miss them," she said. "I miss the whole vibe. Training, going to practices and my coaches.

"When I heard the news I was devastated. But what helped me get through it is I'm still training. I'm hoping when August rolls around, this training will help me stay fit for the season."