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As Muslim women, we wear our religion physically. When we walk outside, people know that were Muslim. And when a Muslim makes the news, it makes people want to know why she has that on -- what her religion is.Its amazing to see that Muslim women are the ones breaking stereotypes about our religion. I think it brings a lot of positivity, especially in our community. We need it. Especially now.When I was earning my masters degree at Indiana State two years ago, I had to do a project on an athlete who I thought was making a difference socially. One who was standing her ground. I choose Ibtihaj Muhammad. I felt like I related to her in a lot of ways -- as an athlete myself, and a Muslim as well.A year later, I met Ibtihaj at a conference in Los Angeles, and we spent a lot of time getting to know each other. We shared how hard it was to be different at times -- being the first Muslim women to be on the forefront of our sports -- and how hard it was to uphold a certain image and still stay faithful to what we believe in. Before I met her, I felt like I was the only one.At the time, I was going through a shift in my life where I couldnt play the sport that I loved because of my religion. I was unable to continue my pro career because of my hijab. I was planning to go overseas and play basketball under FIBA rules. But FIBA has a headgear rule right now that says I could hurt somebody wearing my scarf.I was questioning faith. I was questioning who I was. Basketball was my life.?Now, to see Ibtihaj make such a difference this summer by becoming the first Muslim woman to represent the U.S. at the Olympics wearing hijab ...It is a beautiful thing.Sharing our experiences was gratifying because I felt like I had a release. I could let go of my feelings. And it kept me level to know that shes been strong, and that I can do the same.The barriers that shes breaking -- being in the Olympics, winning a medal -- its a motivation. Its an inspiration. I live vicariously through her.Sport brings unity and can effect change, so I believe this is huge -- not only for Muslims, but for anybody that doesnt fit the norm.More on Ibtihaj Muhammad? Ibtihaj Muhammad, Olympic trailblazer Video ?? Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammads message doesnt end with Olympic loss?Story ?? Michelle Obama gets fencing lesson from Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad?Story ?? For this Olympic hopeful, the Road to Rio is paved in fencing and fashion?Story ?The IMPACT25 is espnWs annual list of the 25 athletes and influencers who have made the greatest difference for women in sports. Explore the 2016 list and more content at espnW.com/IMPACT25. Discount Under Armour Shoes . JOHNS, N. Cheap Air Max Plus . Mitch Holmberg added a goal and three assists. Connor Chartier also scored for the Chiefs (3-0-0). Luke Harrison spoiled Garrett Hughsons shutout bid with a power-play goal at 13:17 of the third period. The Spokane goaltender finished with 28 saves, including a Brandon Fushimi penalty shot in the second period that would have tied the game 1-1. http://www.fakejordancheap.com/wholesale-yeezy-700-china.html . The CFLs leading rusher kept adding to his gaudy numbers this season and scored the winning touchdown with just over two minutes to play. The New Westminster, B.C., native plowed three yards into the end zone for the last score of a heated, see-saw battle between the two teams with the best records in the CFL. Fake Jordan 1 . "I wrote 36 on my sheet at the beginning of the game," the Cincinnati coach said, referring the yard line the ball would need to be snapped from. Wholesale Jordan Shoes From China . Peter Gammons, an analyst for Major League Baseballs network and website, drew the ire of hockey fans on Sunday when he criticized the two NHL teams on Twitter for their physical game the night before. RIO DE JANEIRO -- On the eve of his last game in charge of the national team, U.S. mens basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski praised local organizers for the conditions provided to his players at the Rio Olympics.We have loved being in Rio, Krzyzewski said Saturday. We knew it was going to be good. First of all, youre in the Olympics. There was such negative publicity about Rio before the Olympics started, but its been just the opposite. The people of Rio could not have been better.Weve been treated in just amazing fashion, and the care, the security, the friendliness, just the hospitality of the Brazilian people, have been spectacular. I hope we win, but Ill tell you what, well go away with a great feeling about Rio. Weve loved being here, we could not have been treated better.The Americans face Serbia on Sunday afternoon at Carioca Arena 1 in a rematch of the 2014 FIBA World Cup final in Spain that Team USA won in a 129-92 runaway.Yet its also a rematch of the Group A game these teams staged Aug. 12, when the Serbs came within a Bogdan Bogdanovic 3-pointer from the wing away from forcing overtime in a 94-91 thriller.Krzyzewski has won 75 games in a row as Team USA coach, including exhibitions, since a defeat to Greece in the semifinals of the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan in his first major tournament in the post. San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is succeeding Krzyzewski after the Olympics.Serbia came within a whisker of beating us in our pool play, so we absolutely respect them, Krzyzewski said. We know how good they are.Serbia is led by crafty guarrd Milos Teodosic -- one of Krzyzewskis favorite players -- and its lone current NBA player in?Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic.dddddddddddd. The Serbs finished fourth in Group A, losing to France and Australia as well as Team USA, but they avenged the Australia defeat at the perfect time, routing the Aussies in Fridays semifinals.Team USA elected not to practice Saturday, opting instead to focus on film work and a walkthrough on the docked cruise ship USA Basketball has used as a home base during these Olympics. The Americans moved to 7-0 with a six-point win over Spain in the semis.Youre familiar at least a little bit with them, Krzyzewski said of having faced Serbia previously. [But] I think its an advantage for both teams.I think in a limited amount of preparation time the fact that we have faced one another helps both teams. And then what adjustments you make from that [first] game. We need to make a few adjustments because they almost beat us.Asked specifically about adjustments, Krzyzewski said: Just maintaining our poise. Weve had at times a problem with how the game is administered, and so we need to keep our focus on the play and not anything else.And how we defend them. [Serbia] scored 91 points against us. So I think it starts with that. Hopefully we can play our best game. Were looking for a gold-medal performance. Weve had effort and weve had really good performances, but we would hope this one will be our best game. ' ' '