Ayah Hammoud, a Del City High School senior, plays volleyball, plays the flute, serves in several leadership roles and takes concurrent classes at Rose State College and the University of Oklahoma.
She balances her already full plate with a part-time job.
“Student council vice president, class reporter and National Honor Society reporter,” to be exact. “I’ve been playing the flute since sixth grade. I’d say I’m good at it.”
She started playing volleyball in the sixth grade. A couple years earlier, playing a similar game called newcomb in gym class, where she noticed her propensity for the sport.
“Fifth grade, we didn’t have sports due to budget cuts, I believe, so I didn’t play again until sixth grade,” which is when I learned that I was somewhat decent at the sport and had potential. So I continued playing every year, and my passion for the sport kept growing and growing. It started to become my safe place.”
Hammoud wasn’t sure why she stuck with volleyball.
“I did other sports previously, but the environment wasn’t as accepting, at least that’s how it felt to me,” Hammoud said. “I never felt judged or out of place in volleyball the way I did in other sports, that includes by coaches and teammates. Everyone on my team has always genuinely wished success for each other, and my coaches always wanted us to be the best athletes and people we could be, both on and off the court.
“So, I guess you could say the environment is what dragged me towards volleyball. I consider my group of girls family,” Hammoud said.
Her leadership skills come in handy on the court, too.
“I love being involved and helping others, even if it’s just by setting an example,” Hammoud said. “I understand the toughness of losing. That’s why I always try to be encouraging and uplifting with my team. . . Being positive is something I always try to do every game.”
Hammoud plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and pursue a degree in the medical field. “I’m not decided on a major, but I’m leaning towards business at the moment,” Hammoud said. “I currently want to be an obstetrician gynecologist!”
