For junior forward Sahar Nusseibeh, love and devotion for basketball has always been a major part of her life. Whether it was playing on her first organized team in middle school or growing up in Uniontown, Ohio, watching the professionals play on TV with her father, Nusseibeh has found a strong passion out on the court.
Throughout her career, there is one particular figure that has forever changed and influenced Nusseibeh as a basketball player - her high school coach.
"He really got me focused on basketball and how it could benefit me and get me a future," she said.
Nusseibeh said her coach was tough - he was hard on the players and mean at times. But the respect he received from the players on the team was something admired by all and something she will remember forever.
"At the end of the day, he was there for you and he had your respect," Nusseibeh said. "He really impacted my life."
Although she chose to attend AU for its strength in her majors, international relations and business, Nusseibeh said she was attracted to the basketball program and coaching staff as well.
"I looked at the team and tried to picture where it would be three years from now," Nusseibeh said. "I could tell it was headed toward winning the Patriot League Championships, and it really appealed to me."
Nusseibeh said she takes pride in her work ethic and always pushes herself to give 100 percent. Everything she does is done with her teammates in mind, especially when it comes to keeping a positive attitude.
"My philosophy is that energy is contagious whether it is negative or positive," she said. "I try to keep it positive and rub off on other teammates."
The competitiveness of the sport is what Nusseibeh said has carried her to play forward and center at the Division I level. She said she has always been a highly competitive person and uses her drive to excel her athletic career. However, Nusseibeh said it's not all about competition for her - she finds her relationship with the team to be very important as well.
With only 10 other girls on the roster and five on the court at a time, the forward described how everyone learns to rely on each other. Nusseibeh said the girls bond on and off the court, and she has turned her relationships with her teammates into strong bonds over the years.
This year is no different. With three new freshmen bringing fresh energy to the court and three seniors, the Eagles have a good balance and stronger relationships than ever, according to the forward. Nusseibeh cannot help but admit she is crazy about her team.
"I love my team this year," she said. "They are a bunch of goofs - we are all really close as compared to years in the past."
When Nusseibeh is not on the court, she finds herself occupied with campus life. Nusseibeh keeps herself busy as vice president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
Although she has one more year at AU, Nusseibeh said she has a clear goal for her future.
"I would love to be a collegiate coach," Nusseibeh said. "I like people and want to work with people. I realized, why not do something I love and have a passion for?"
In the near future, however, Nusseibeh said her team is adamant on winning the Patriot League Tournament Championship.
