By Nathaniel Fudala
Records are meant to be broken. Oak Lawn senior Maryam Hussein was just the one to do it.
Hussein recently broke the record for the most kills for a season in school history, breaking Kate Dillon’s mark of 303 back in 2021. T the time of this article, Hussein had a total of 324 kills, averaging a whopping 6.6 kills. The season still isn’t even over yet, so the record will only continue to grow.
However, kills and statistics are not the only ways she leads the Spartans. She leads her teammates and helps them win with a positive attitude.
“Maryam has developed a phenomenal balance of holding her teammates to a high standard while remaining encouraging and supportive of them,” head coach Kathleen Miller said. “I think her most impressive development over her four years has been her communication skills–she’s the loudest kid on the court and is constantly talking with her teammates before, during, and after the play.”
The journey to this record didn’t come easy for her however. She had to work for it.
“I started playing volleyball in eighth grade after previously being cut from the team two years prior,” Hussein said. “This sport was very enjoyable, and I always loved watching other people play and then eventually getting in on the action.”
Not only is Hussein an outstanding player, she is a great teammate too.
“Maryam is always authentically true to herself,” Miller said “She’s consistent in her effort, intensity, and communication, She’s confident in herself and is able to express her thoughts in a way that has really helped build a trusting relationship between herself, her teammates, and our coaches, Even with her individual accolades this season, she maintains a team-first attitude and is willing to do anything for the team.”
Maryam wants to pursue her dreams of becoming a volleyball player.
“If I were to play in college my hopes would be to play at UIC,” she said. “When I am not playing volleyball, I am usually studying to keep up with my Advanced Placement and honors classes and if not studying, I am spending time with friends and family.”
Although Hussein already helps the team, Maryam’s role this year will benefit the rest of the volleyball team too.
