Sports are more than just wins and losses; it’s about the friendships and memories you make. That’s no different for Paint Branch senior volleyball player Romeesa Azad, who came to the United States last year from Pakistan.
Romeesa first learned about volleyball after arriving in the U.S. and faced adversity learning a new sport. When asked about the hardest part of learning a new sport, she said, “I didn’t have much experience in the game and my skill level didn’t match with other people, so it was hard for me to learn because I didn’t have anyone who could teach me. And it was hard to fit it.”
But the challenges didn’t stop her, and she didn’t let those struggles stop her from learning the game. She describes volleyball as an exciting game that makes her happy whenever she plays. And her dedication led to her making the junior varsity team this season and being a contributor.
One of the biggest reasons Romeesa was able to pursue volleyball is through the support of her father, who managed professional boxers in Pakistan, and now helps kids learn sports popular around the world but not known here like cricket.
Romeesa’s father was glad to see her get involved with sports when they moved to the U.S. “I was very happy to hear that she wanted to try out for the team,” he says. “I love and support her decision all the time because I have done sports my whole life, so I encourage her, and I know she will do the best.”
Back in Pakistan Romeesa didn’t play volleyball, though she did play a little bit of soccer. Things around the world aren’t always the same, and that is something that remains true for sports for Romeesa. She says that she sees some similarities between Pakistan and the U.S. including that in both places all skill levels are given opportunities. Some differences are that in the U.S. there are more facilities for sports, but to her Pakistan takes sports more seriously.
Romeesa continues to learn the game and works hard in practice everyday. Her coach, Carolyn Bobb, says that she stepped up and learned to play the setter position and has had good passes in games. Coach Carolyn also notes that Romeesa has also learned to serve, which has helped her round out her game a little.
Romeesa’s season on the court will end on October 14, though she will celebrate senior night with the varsity players on October 22. After the season ends, she says that she hopes to keep playing volleyball when she can because, as she says, “she loves it!”
