Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir started playing basketball when she was only three years old, and she’s been playing ever since.

Bilqis began wearing her hijab every day when she was in high school. She currently holds the Massachusetts State high school basketball scoring record, with 3070 points! Bilqis later became the first Muslim woman to play NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I basketball wearing a hijab. She was invited to the White House three times and was recognized by President Barack Obama for her achievements.

Bilqis trained hard and made it to the professional basketball level. However, the professional league had a rule prohibiting headgear larger than five inches, which meant she would not be allowed to wear her hijab on the court. So, Bilqis had to choose between her faith and the sport she loved.

She chose her faith, advocated for Muslim women and girls in sports through her nonprofit organization Muslim Girls Ball Too, and played a key role in pushing the professional league, FIBA (International Basketball Federation), to change their rule regarding headgear. That happened in 2017. Today, Bilqis is a wife, a mother of three boys, an athletic director, motivational speaker and sports trainer, creating sports programs, leagues and opportunities for Muslim girls and boys internationally.

“I am an upbeat and energetic teacher and I believe that learning should always be done in a fun and engaging environment.“