Saints basketball freshman Bazzi speaks about inspiring young girls

 

 

The first Saints athlete to wear a hijab sees herself as an inspiration for young girls and is focused on being a teammate who is no different than any other player.

Noor Bazzi is a Pre-health student at St. Clair College who has received lots of media coverage over the past month which she says has not affected her or her team negatively. It has further helped her in becoming a role model for young girls who want to play basketball after seeing her story on different media platforms.

“As a team player, I think always picking up your teammates when someone’s down, always cheering for someone when they’re not having their best game and being there for them especially off the court,” said Bazzi.

Bazzi used to play for the Massey’s women’s basketball team in high school before getting selected in Saints summer tryouts. However, she said there is a possibility of returning to Masseys for a fifth-year. She also said this year’s game is going to be different for her.

“I feel like the transition from the atmosphere of the game is definitely going be a big change for me. But I’m ready to get into it.”

Members of the Saints women’s basketball team are preparing for their first exhibition tournament, Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, against Mohawk College and George Brown College respectively. The team had their first official practice on Sept. 17 at the St. Clair’s Sportsplex.

“I find that as a coach when we prepare we prepare for a team, we don’t prepare for just one player,” said Head Coach Andy Kiss.

Bazzi primarily considers herself as a basketball player and then as the first Saint’s athlete to wear a hijab. She said the coaches treat her the same and wants her to improve in her game.

Kennedy Clippers’ senior basketball player, Jenna Khalife, wore a head scarf and long-sleeve shirt in 2001. Nike also launched their first sports hijab in 2017 which was tested by US champion fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad. The hijab was designed to inspire Muslim athletes in following their passion for sport.

“They’re just pushing me as everyone else. They’re not centering me out. They’re not only talking to me, they’re talking to everyone else,” said Bazzi.

Phil Milanis, assistant coach, said constructive criticism is very important at this stage. It is important to focus on both good and bad games and talk about it.

Bazzi is currently coaching the Windsor Valiants team for girls. She wants to continue her career as a corporate coach in her future and keep on inspiring young girls.

“That gives me chills…Hopefully I’m still around to educate some of the girls… It’s a chain. You can’t break the chain,” said Bazzi.