Rising Star Student-Athlete of the Month: Natalia Salame


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 Photo Credit: Press and Guide Dearborn

 

By Omar Thabet – Yemeni American News

OZ Media/The Yemeni American News is proud to present the March High School Student-Athlete of the Month award to Natalia Salame out of Dearborn High School.

Natalia is a senior and a 3-sport athlete at Dearborn High. She played shooting guard for the girls’ varsity basketball team, center back for the girls’ varsity soccer team and played for the girls’ varsity volleyball team as well. Thanks to AP and college accredited classes, Natalia currently holds a 4.3 grade point average. Her work ethic, on and off the playing fields, is second to none.

Natalia, The Athlete

When we interviewed Natalia, we focused mostly on her time as a basketball player for the Pioneers. The fact that she is a 3-sport athlete speaks volumes on the versatility she brings to the court.

Dave Arnold, who is the head coach of the Dearborn Pioneers Girls Basketball Team, agrees that Natalia has an exceptional skill set.

“Natalia has a unique skill set in that she has been able to effectively play every position for us this year,” said coach Arnold. “She can handle the ball well enough to support our point guard play, she shoots it well enough to be our second-best perimeter threat, she defends well enough to be incredibly effective in the press and she’s tough enough to rebound for us defensively and help with post defense.”

Natalia ended her senior season 2nd on the team in made three-point field goals, 1st in made free throws, 2nd in scoring, 2nd in rebounding, 2nd in assists and 2nd in steals. Her season high in scoring was 25 points against Livonia Stevenson on February 4th; including 5/10 three-point Field goals and 5 steals. Natalia also hit a game-winning shot against Belleville High School.

We asked the Athletic Director for Dearborn High School, Jeffrey Conway, how does Natalia fit into the culture at Dearborn High School? Conway said, “Besides being an outstanding student-athlete, Natalia continues to exemplify the expectations that we have for all of our athletes at DHS — working hard, putting the team first, and doing things with class and integrity at all times.”

Natalia, The Leader

Natalia knew heading into her senior season that she had to be someone her teammates can look up to. With a younger roster, and with her being the captain of the team, Natalia knew she had to fill in that leadership role.

When speaking about Natalia’s leadership skills, Coach Arnold said, “Often leadership is just about being consistent every day. Showing up, working as hard as you can and in doing so setting a standard for your team and teammates. Natalia did that, as well as taking a more active role with her teammates when necessary.”

When we asked Natalia who inspired her to be the hard working person she is today, she mentioned both of her parents: Sam and Nada Salame.

“I see how hard both of my parents worked to put me in the position that I am in today and I just hope to make them proud with what I am doing on and off the court,” Natalia said.

Nada Salame, Natalia’s mother, believes that what makes Natalia such a great leader is how she is, “selfless and compassionate.”

“She is constantly thinking of the needs and wants of others before herself,” Nada mentioned. “She leads with the mindset of how will the decisions and choices she makes impact or influence others. She praises and celebrates those who are succeeding and encourages and helps those who are struggling.”

Sam Salame, Natalia’s father, says that her grades are a bonus, but what makes them most proud about Natalia is, “what she does to help and support others.”

Sam added, “She is an advocate for those that don’t have a voice and a cheerleader for those that are doing well for themselves. Sometimes I am in awe of her genuineness.”

Natalia’s Future

After high school Natalia does not plan to continue her athletic career. She wants to major in clinical psychology at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor).

Once she graduates out of high school she will already have an associates degree from Henry Ford Community College. This is all thanks to a partnership program they have with Dearborn High School where students can take college courses (offered by HFCC) while attending high school.

We asked Natalia, just in case she did change her mind, what if a college recruit came knocking on her door, what kind of student-athlete will they be getting? She said, “You will be getting somebody that is hard working and dedicated to everything that they put their mind to. Also, somebody that constantly wants to grow not only to better themselves, but those around them.”

We closed out the interview asking Natalia’s parents if Natalia had met their expectations so far.

Nada, Natalia’s mother, said, “As parents we try not to set unrealistic expectations.  We expect our children to be responsible, respectful and have a strong work ethic. Natalia works hard and her efforts are reflected in her grades and the recognition and accolades she receives from her peers, teachers, coaches and family. We are very proud of her and all that she has accomplished. We know she will continue to do great things.”

Once again, OZ Media/The Yemeni American News want to congratulate Natalia Salame out of Dearborn High School for being our March Student-Athlete of the month.

 

Check out the OZ Media YouTube Interview here:

 
  
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