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. Reggie White Youth Jersey . 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Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. BOISE, Idaho -- Boise State running back Jeremy McNichols admitted that last season he didnt spend as much time in the film room or with his offensive line. Hes changed that this year and its paying big dividends.McNichols rushed for 206 yards and a career-high four touchdowns to power No. 20 Boise State past UNLV 42-25 on Friday night.Boise State (10-1, 6-1; ?No. 22 AP) kept its Mountain West title hopes alive and reached 10 victories for the second time in three seasons under head coach Bryan Harsin. After passing Western Michigan in the College Football Playoff rankings this week, the Broncos also remained in contention for a Cotton Bowl berth.McNichols set a school record for the most 200-yard rushing games in a single season with his third.You have to know your offensive line well, McNichols said. And last year I didnt watch as much film with them or spend as much time around them. But I changed that this year.Now even at our walk throughs, Ill go over and see what theyre talking about. Having a good relationship with your offensive line is huge. When they mean something and you show them they mean something, they feel like they scored a touchdown with you. They run down the field to try and catch me. Its fun.The Rebels (4-7, 3-4), who lost for fifth time in five tries at Boise State, didnt have much fun trying to stop McNichols, who entered the game as the nations fifth-leading rusher.(McNichols) did a good job of bouncing to the outside and breaking contain, UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said. We had him dead to rights a few times, but just werent able to tackle in space. And that killed us.UNLVs offense, which was missing leading receiver Devonte Boyd due to a broken hand suffered last week, didnt have any better luck either, managing only 302 yards of total offense, their second-lowest output of the season.Harsin said he planned on emphasizing the ground game against UNLV, but things went better than expected.We came in here with the game plan to run the ball, Harsin said, But the way Jeremy was just running it, when hes hot like that, you want to keep getting it to him.McNichols, a junior who could follow in the footsteps of former teammate and Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi and enter the draft after the season, said his last regular season game at home seemed different.I said before the game that something felt special about tonight, McNichols said. When you get in that groove, you feel like every touch could go the distance. And it felt like that tonight.After UNLV converted aa fumble into a field goal on Boise States opening possession, the Broncos went on a 19-play, 74-yard drive -- their longest of the season -- and took a 7-3 lead on quarterback Brett Rypiens 1-yard run.ddddddddddddThe Broncos followed that drive up with their shortest after a 73-yard punt return by Cedrick Wilson set up Boise States offense at the UNLV 6. On the only play of the drive the Broncos ran, McNichols bounced outside and won a footrace to the corner of the end zone for the touchdown, giving Boise State a 14-3 first quarter lead.That early lead helped set the tone for Boise State as UNLV never really threatened to make the game competitive.Rypien finished with 109 yards on 10-of-20 passing. Career receiving leader Thomas Sperbeck had five catches for 47 yards in his final regular-season home game.UNLVs Kurt Palandech passed for 113 yards, completing 10 of 20 passes. He also led the team in rushing with 64 yards.TAKEAWAYSUNLV: The Rebels have already topped last seasons win total of three games, but they will look to finish strong with a win in their finale next Saturday. With a victory, the Rebels could lock up second place in the West division and set their eyes on getting bowl eligible next year.Boise State: The Broncos defense delivered one of their most dominant performances of the season as the entire team seems to peaking at the right time. In the three games since its last-minute loss on the road at Wyoming, Boise State has committed only one turnover and averaged more than 48 points a game, while limiting opponents to just over 21.POLL IMPLICATIONSBoise State isnt likely to impress the voters much with the victory, though the easy win shouldnt cost them any votes either. Dont expect the Broncos to move up in the poll much as most of the teams in front to them are all favored to win handily Saturday.UP NEXTUNLV: The Rebels host in-state rival Nevada in the regular-season finale for both teams.Boise State: The Broncos will travel to Air Force for their final regular-season tilt in a must-win game to keep their division title hopes alive.MORE McNICHOLSMcNichols entered the game leading the nation in scoring with 132 points. His four touchdowns put him at 156 points, 36 more than the next closest player. He also took the leading in rushing touchdowns with 22 for the season. However, hes still 42 points shy of the school single season record of 192. ' ' '
