Plenty of power

Scoring two hat tricks in a week is an amazing feat for any soccer player, but doing it on an empty stomach is astonishing.

Niina Al-Hassan, a junior forward for the Pullman Greyhounds (6-1-0), is also a devout Muslim, and for the past three years the holy month of Ramadan has fallen at the beginning of her fall soccer season.

“It just shows how much discipline I have that I can do both of them together,” Al-Hassan said.

Fasting during Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink anything including water, until the sun goes down when they enjoy their evening meal called Iftar. On Wednesday, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fatr, the holiday that signals the end of the month-long fast.

Fasting is intended to teach a person patience, humility, sacrifice and self-discipline. This year Ramadan fell during September when Al-Hassan led her team in scoring with nine goals and while giving out two assists.

Her play on the field has propelled Pullman to a share of first place with West Valley in the Great Northern League standings.

“Her consistent effort has trickled down to the rest of the team,” Pullman girls soccer coach Doug Winchell said.

Al-Hassan credits her stellar play to the self-discipline that she has learned through her faith. Having to focus harder than the average player during practice gives her the mental and physical advantage once she takes the field.

“It takes a lot of self-discipline,” Al-Hassan said.

During lunch, she goes to the library to avoid any cravings.

“Ramadan has taught me to be thankful for what I have,” Al-Hassan said. “It makes me stronger and helps me realize priorities in life.”

Al-Hassan chooses not to fast on all game days so she can put forth the high level of intensity her teammates expect of her on the field.

“I play in practice as I would play in a game,” Al-Hassan said.

She credits her work ethic to her former teammates at Pullman who are now playing at the collegiate level: Cory Druffel, who is a freshman at Whitworth, and Katie Spangenberg, who plays at Gonzaga.

“They came to every practice with a lot of intensity,” Al-Hassan said.

Their example of hard work mixed with her faith helped shape Al-Hassan’s concept of family as well as her leadership role on the team.

“My faith makes my soccer game much stronger and gives me a sense of self-awareness, how you’re treating others like you want to be treated,” Al-Hassan said.