The story of Jamad Fiin went viral wearing a dress and playing in a Hijab while starting a basketball game that would inspire young girls to stay true to themselves while fulfilling their passion for the game or other avenues. We caught up with Fiin attending her first Women’s Final Four, a dream she always had growing up to attend one of these games
Female basketball players like Jamad Fiin, who went viral for wearing a dress and Hijab, have faced many challenges in pursuing equality in the sport. Previously, women were not allowed to play basketball, let alone wear hijabs while playing. Nevertheless, these women have persevered in their pursuit of playing and pursuing their passion for the game, proving that they possess equal abilities and deserve to be on the court. Their determination to break down barriers and defy societal norms paves the way for future generations of female athletes to pursue their dreams and succeed in the sport.
Her inspiring story.
On May 20th, 2022, I shared an inspiring story about Fiin who was hosting one of her camps in Columbus, Ohio. Jamad Fiin, a former college basketball player, gained widespread attention after her videos of playing in a Hijab and dress went viral. Her popularity skyrocketed, with over one million followers on Instagram, leading to commercial opportunities and a platform to promote Muslim women playing sports. Additionally, she launched Jamad Basketball Camps, a non-profit organization that provides free basketball camps for girls. Her success has helped to normalize Muslim women playing sports and encourages young girls to pursue their passions.
According to Finn, the Camp was established to empower girls to remain authentic to themselves, disregarding societal expectations that may discourage them from pursuing their aspirations in their Hijab or attire. Instead, the focus should be on their talents, such as basketball skills, which others can respect and admire.
A remarkable individual.
This past Saturday, we caught up with Jamad Fiin, who was attending her first Women’s Final Four in Cleveland, specifically in Tourney Town, held at the Downtown Huntington Convention Center.
Fiin is a remarkable individual who attended Emmanuel College and is also a member of the Somalia Women’s National Basketball team. Her talents have taken her to participate in FIBA tournaments in Uganda and Dubai. At Tourney Town, watching her interact with fans while wearing her Hijab and taking pHijabes with them proved captivating. Rather than shying away, many were intrigued to learn more about her story and how she inspires thousands with her support for women’s basketball.
First Women’s Final Four & Tourney Town
“As a longtime fan of March Madness, I’ve always dreamed of attending one of the events. So it’s genuinely thrilling to be here for the first time, watching the games and exploring Tourney Town,” Fiin said.
According to the NCAA, Tourney Town is an interactive experience offering engaging activities for basketball lovers and non-fans. From appearances by legendary coaches, players, and other notable figures to interactive games and challenges, there’s something for everyone. And with multiple giveaways and chances to win prizes, it’s a basketball fan’s dream come true. Plus, the historical displays of women’s final four teams provide an opportunity to learn more about the tournament’s evolution over the years and which programs have emerged victorious.
Encouraging the next generations
“As I engage with the fans, I relish this moment. To all the young Muslim girls present at such gatherings, I implore you to embrace your true self, be proud of your identity, and exude confidence as you navigate your surroundings. Opportunities abound, and you should not hesitate to vocalize your ambitions”.
Wearing a Hijab
To all the women and young girls out there, regardless of your cultural or religious background, I want to remind you that nothing should hold you back from pursuing your passions, even if you choose to wear a hijab. Jamad Fiin’s story is a testament to breaking stereotypes and inspiring others to do the same. “So, embrace your Hijab while fulfilling your spiritual journey and passion with confidence and determination. You are beautiful and powerful and can shine and reach the stars.”
It’s a significant stride towards inspiring young Muslim women in the community when they hear about my story or other women basketball players who wear the Hijab while playing the hijab game they love. It is also a fantastic model for girls to gain confidence and never abandon their passions.
North Carolina State made it to this year’s final four but unfortunately lost to South Carolina. One of their players, Jannah Eissa, is an excellent example of someone who loves the game and wears a hijab while playing. She is one of many current or past players who did so during March Madness. According to a recent Associated Press article, Konate Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir was the first player to wear a hijab while playing for the University of Memphis a decade ago. Abdul-Qaadir was among the players and activists who advocated for FIBA, the International Basketball Federation to overturn its policy of not allowing women to wear headgear in 2017.
Women who she inspired
Advocacy has opened up exciting opportunities for players such as Jamad Fiin, Batouly Camara (a former UConn player who made history in Spain’s LF1 league), and Diaba Konate (a current player at the University of California). Konate, who is from France and whose team lost to Gonzaga in the first round, stresses the significance of representation. Nevertheless, according to the article, the French Federation of Basketball has a policy prohibiting players from wearing headwear, irrespective of its religious or political connotations. Konate and others continue to push for the federation to revise this rule.
Final Four games:
Fiin commented that the game between Iowa and UConn was entertaining and exciting but expressed disappointment with some of the calls and missed calls. Looking ahead to the championship game, she believes the matchup between Iowa and South Carolina will be intriguing. The title game has the potential to be a battle from start to finish, given that the Gamecocks have yet to lose a game this season.
ESPN just announced that the Iowa vs. UConn basketball game broke all records, with a whopping peak audience of 17 million viewers! This is the largest audience any basketball game has ever had, and it’s a testament to the players’ unique skills and performance. It was an incredible match that kept viewers on the edge of their seats, and we’re thrilled to see this level of excitement and interest in the sport.
For more information about Jamad Fiin and Jamad Basketball Camps, please visit www.jamadfiin.com.
Okon Ekpenyong is a multi-talented writer, journalist, and entrepreneur.
He regularly contributes to the New Americans magazine and covers college basketball for Sportzkelz media. In addition, he is the founder of Okiethedreamer Productions, a company that promotes new Americans and local businesses through community writing and referrals.
With his diverse skills and passions, Okon is dedicated to uplifting and showcasing the voices and stories of marginalized communities.
