From Pacific to International Stage: Daria Nestorov's Basketball Journey
University of the Pacific women’s basketball player Daria Nestorov ’28 showcased her skills on the international stage this summer. Representing her native Serbia in the 2025 Federation Internationale de Basketball U-20 Division B Eurobasket tournament in Hungary, Nestorov played a key role in her team's journey to the championship game, where they finished as runners-up to the Hungarian National Team.
Throughout the seven-game tournament, Nestorov demonstrated her talent by starting every game and leading her team with an average of 5.6 assists and 9.3 points. Notable performances included scoring 18 points against Denmark and 15 points against Albania. Her exceptional assist skills earned her the third-best assist per game average in the tournament.
For Nestorov, wearing the Serbian jersey was a source of pride and motivation, reminding her of the significance of representing her country on the basketball court. She emphasized the honor and responsibility that comes with playing for her nation, highlighting the shared goal and determination among her teammates.
Having honed her skills at Pacific, Nestorov found her experience with the Serbian national team to be a valuable opportunity for growth and development. She credited her time at Pacific for instilling discipline, consistency, and balance in her approach to the game, qualities that were further enhanced during her summer with the national team.
As Nestorov prepares for the upcoming season with Pacific, she is poised to step into a leadership role following the departure of key players from the previous season. Head Coach Bradley Davis commended Nestorov's leadership qualities, noting her ability to inspire and elevate her teammates both on and off the court. Her understanding of the game and energetic playing style make her a natural leader for the team.
Drawing from the lessons learned during her summer competition, Nestorov is focused on bringing her enhanced confidence and mental strength to the Tigers' 2025-26 campaign. With preseason practices underway, she is determined to leverage her experiences to contribute to the team's success in the upcoming season.
The Pacific women’s basketball team will kick off their season at home on Monday, Nov. 3, facing off against UC San Diego in a highly anticipated matchup. As Nestorov gears up to lead her team into the new season, her summer experiences have prepared her to make a significant impact on the court and guide her teammates to success.