Muslim Women and Youth Make History in Sports and Politics Across the U.S.

Muslim Women and Youth Make History in Sports and Politics Across the U.S.
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Two groundbreaking achievements this week have highlighted the growing representation and success of Muslim Americans — one on the volleyball court in Illinois, and the other in Virginia’s political arena.

In Morton Grove, Illinois, the girls’ volleyball team at MCC Academy, an Islamic private school, made history by becoming the first Islamic school in Illinois to win a regional championship, according to CBS Chicago. The Lady Crescents, led by 17-year-old captain Nisreen Kahellil and coach Wajeeha Shutari, overcame early skepticism to prove that faith and athletic excellence can thrive together.

“They think, ‘Oh, it’s an Islamic school. They’re not good,’” Kahellil said. “We’re showing it doesn’t matter that we wear hijab or long pants — we can still play and win.”

Meanwhile, on the East Coast, Ghazala Hashmi, a Democrat from Virginia, was elected lieutenant governor, becoming the first Muslim woman to hold statewide office in any U.S. state, The New York Times reported.

Hashmi, who emigrated from Hyderabad, India, as a child, called her victory “a reflection of the opportunities made available in this country and in this commonwealth.”

Both milestones — one in sports and one in public service — mark significant steps forward for Muslim representation and inclusion across American life.