As Muslim women, we wear our religion physically. When we walk outside, people know that were Muslim. And when a Muslim makes the news, it makes people want to know why she has that on -- what her religion is.Its amazing to see that Muslim women are the ones breaking stereotypes about our religion. I think it brings a lot of positivity, especially in our community. We need it. Especially now.When I was earning my masters degree at Indiana State two years ago, I had to do a project on an athlete who I thought was making a difference socially. One who was standing her ground. I choose Ibtihaj Muhammad. I felt like I related to her in a lot of ways -- as an athlete myself, and a Muslim as well.A year later, I met Ibtihaj at a conference in Los Angeles, and we spent a lot of time getting to know each other. We shared how hard it was to be different at times -- being the first Muslim women to be on the forefront of our sports -- and how hard it was to uphold a certain image and still stay faithful to what we believe in. Before I met her, I felt like I was the only one.At the time, I was going through a shift in my life where I couldnt play the sport that I loved because of my religion. I was unable to continue my pro career because of my hijab. I was planning to go overseas and play basketball under FIBA rules. But FIBA has a headgear rule right now that says I could hurt somebody wearing my scarf.I was questioning faith. I was questioning who I was. Basketball was my life.?Now, to see Ibtihaj make such a difference this summer by becoming the first Muslim woman to represent the U.S. at the Olympics wearing hijab ...It is a beautiful thing.Sharing our experiences was gratifying because I felt like I had a release. I could let go of my feelings. And it kept me level to know that shes been strong, and that I can do the same.The barriers that shes breaking -- being in the Olympics, winning a medal -- its a motivation. Its an inspiration. I live vicariously through her.Sport brings unity and can effect change, so I believe this is huge -- not only for Muslims, but for anybody that doesnt fit the norm.More on Ibtihaj Muhammad? Ibtihaj Muhammad, Olympic trailblazer Video ?? Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammads message doesnt end with Olympic loss?Story ?? Michelle Obama gets fencing lesson from Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad?Story ?? For this Olympic hopeful, the Road to Rio is paved in fencing and fashion?Story ?The IMPACT25 is espnWs annual list of the 25 athletes and influencers who have made the greatest difference for women in sports. Explore the 2016 list and more content at espnW.com/IMPACT25. Cheap MLB Jerseys Authentic .com) - The Montreal Canadiens will try to halt their longest losing streak of the season when they host the struggling New York Islanders in tonights clash at the Bell Centre. Cheap Los Angeles Dodgers Jerseys . LUCIE, Fla. http://www.cheapdodgersjerseys.com/?tag=cheap-maury-wills-jersey . Toronto has dropped games to Indiana and Miami since a five-game winning streak and closed out a three-game road trip at 1-2. Cheap Kirk Gibson Jersey . Galatasaray said in a statement on its website Monday that Mancini signed a three-year contract and will be paid 3.5 million euros for the upcoming season, with his salary upped to 4. Cheap Fernando Valenzuela Jersey . The home side created most of the chances but struggled to break down Braunschweigs resilient defence, resulting in the Bundesligas 1,000th scoreless draw. PORTLAND, Ore. -- Alec Wintering scored 24 points and Gabe Taylor tipped in the winning bucket to lift Portland past Texas-Rio Grande Valley for a 90-89 double-overtime win Monday night.Taylor, who finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, got the winning tip in with two seconds left in the second overtime period after Wintering missed a layup. Texas-Rio Grande Valley (2-8) had edged back into the lead with 22 seconds left on Nick Dixons layup, forcing a Portland timeout to set up the winning drive.DMarques Tyson sank seven 3-pointers for 21 points and Jazz Johnson added 19 points for Portland (5-3).dddddddddddd.The Pilots trailed by as much as 10 in the second half but forced overtime with a 13-3 run to tie it at 73-all. Portland also forced the second OT with a bucket from Johnson that tied it at 82.The Vaqueros (2-8) got 28 points from Antonio Green. Dixon finished with 22 and Gage Loy had 14. ' ' '
