In the quiet town of Gresham, Oregon, my journey into sports began unexpectedly. My American host family lived and breathed athletics. My host mother coached volleyball, my host father coached softball, and my three younger host sisters were all involved in different sports. I had never been part of this world before, but they welcomed me into it fully.
At first, I was completely new. I remember watching a volleyball game with my host grandmother, who patiently explained the rules. Slowly, I began to understand and appreciate sports not just as a physical activity, but as a way to build discipline, resilience, and mental strength. That experience opened my eyes.
When I returned to Saudi Arabia, I was determined to carry that transformation with me. At the time, sports opportunities for women were still limited. I started with karate, then began running. I helped found the first female runners’ club in Al-Hasa, creating space for other women to participate in sports for the first time. A coach soon noticed my commitment and invited me to join the Al-Adalah Club as an official track and field athlete, specializing in the heptathlon. My first competition ended with me in last place. But I didn’t give up. I trained hard, and last season, I earned second place at the Saudi National Athletics Championship. That journey from clueless beginner to national athlete has shaped who I am. The YES program changed my life. It introduced me to a world I had never imagined and gave me the confidence to pursue something bigger than myself.
Sports taught me that the biggest obstacle is often in the mind, and that strength comes from pushing past those limits. Today, I want to help other young women discover that same strength. Everything begins with a single step. You just have to take it.
