For most high school athletes, the season is a time of intense training and games. But for Dean Salem, a 17-year-old senior lacrosse player at Woodhaven High School, this season comes with an extra layer of challenge: fasting from dawn until dusk during Ramadan.
Salem started playing lacrosse last year and has enjoyed it since he made the team. This year, however, it will be difficult to play lacrosse during March because of Ramadan. Although there are only two weeks of lacrosse until we go on spring break, those two weeks will be a challenge for Salem.
Balancing faith and sports is no easy task, but Salem embraces it with discipline and determination. Salem is a key midfield player for the varsity lacrosse team. His speed, agility, and game knowledge make him stand out on the field, but what sets him apart is his ability to push through practices and games while not having food or water for nearly 14 hours every day.
Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline. For Salem, this means waking up before sunrise for Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and then going the entire day without food or drink, often through the hours of school and lacrosse practices, then breaking fast after the sun has set.
“It’s tough, especially during the afternoon practices since the sun has been out this week and it’s getting hotter than normal; All I want to do is drink some water,” says Salem.
Salem also says, “But fasting isn’t all about eating. It’s about pushing yourself mentally and physically, and that’s the mindset I use on the field.”
Despite fasting taking a toll on Salem, Salem refuses to give up and always plays with a champion mindset.
“I played basketball my whole life, and I always looked up to Kobe Bryant. When I play in lacrosse games, I always try to think like Kobe and have that champion mindset.”
On game days, Salem makes sure he has enough energy to play in the games, as he is a key player for the varsity lacrosse team. If they have a game later at night, Salem always comes prepared with a banana and water to break his fast once the sun has set.
While Salem takes lacrosse pretty seriously, there are also times to have fun with teammates and other friends too.
“Lacrosse is a time where I can have fun at times, too, like practices and before games. Lacrosse is important to me, but my faith is just as important,” says Salem.
Salem also says, “Playing lacrosse while fasting makes me appreciate every moment on the field, because it symbolizes my faith and strength.”
As the season progresses, Salem will continue to prove that faith and athletics can go together. With steady dedication and the support of his team, Salem proves that fasting and playing sports are hard but worth it, especially during high school.
