Aliya

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

I love that sports never let me become too comfortable with who I was yesterday. There is always another sprint to run, another mistake to learn from, another teammate to encourage, and another level to reach. I love the duality of sports: they can make you feel completely insignificant in the face of a challenge and incredibly powerful when you overcome it. More than the championships or recognition, I love that sports have given me a lifelong relationship with growth.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

The person who inspires me most is a younger version of myself. I think about the girl who started every sport simply because she loved to play, before she knew about rankings, recognition, or expectations. She reminds me why I started and keeps me grounded when competition becomes overwhelming. I’m proud of how much I’ve grown, but I’m even more motivated by the idea of becoming someone that the younger version of me would be proud to look up to.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

I don’t have one proudest moment in Aliya’s athletic career because there have been so many. Most recently, at soccer tryouts, she finished a run test nearly a minute ahead of everyone else, yet continued running alongside teammates including her sister pacing them so they could finish and meet the standard. This selflessness is why she has captained multiple varsity sports for years. She understands athletics is more than talent—it’s talent coupled with character, leadership, and selflessness.