Dearborn High School Athletes Observe Ramadan During Basketball Playoffs

Muslim players on the girls basketball team fast from sunrise to sunset while competing in the postseason.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:57pm

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The Dearborn High School girls basketball team, which has a roster of all Muslim players, is competing in the MHSAA Division 1 regional semifinals while observing the holy month of Ramadan. The players are fasting from sunrise to sunset, which can be physically and mentally challenging during practices and games, but they are using the experience to grow closer as a team and community.

Why it matters

Dearborn, Michigan has one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States, and the Pioneers' girls basketball team reflects the diversity of the local community. Their dedication to their faith and team during the high-stakes basketball playoffs demonstrates the ability to balance religious observance and athletic competition.

The details

The Pioneers' players, including seniors Sienna Mroue and Aleyiah Kadry, and juniors Zeinab Homayed and Mahdi Hamade, the team's head coach, are all observing Ramadan by fasting from sunrise to sunset. This means they cannot eat or drink anything during daylight hours for the 30-day holiday. Despite the physical challenges, the team remains focused and supportive of one another as they compete in the regional semifinals.

  • Ramadan runs from March 1 to March 19, 2026.
  • The Dearborn High School girls basketball team is competing in the MHSAA Division 1 regional semifinals during this time.

The players

Sienna Mroue

A senior on the Dearborn High School girls basketball team.

Zeinab Homayed

A junior on the Dearborn High School girls basketball team.

Aleyiah Kadry

A senior on the Dearborn High School girls basketball team.

Mahdi Hamade

The head coach of the Dearborn High School girls basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Ramadan is where you fast for 30 days from sunrise to sunset. You are not allowed to drink any water or have any food, so it's very tiring.”

— Zeinab Homayed, Junior, Dearborn High School girls basketball team

“I think we all get a little bit hangry at times, but it's all love, and we're all there for each other and supporting each other through it.”

— Aleyiah Kadry, Senior, Dearborn High School girls basketball team

“The holiday is about giving back to other people and being grateful for what you don't have.”

— Aleyiah Kadry, Senior, Dearborn High School girls basketball team

What’s next

The Dearborn High School girls basketball team will continue competing in the MHSAA Division 1 regional semifinals while observing Ramadan. Their next game is scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The Dearborn High School girls basketball team's dedication to their faith and team unity during the high-stakes basketball playoffs demonstrates the ability to balance religious observance and athletic competition, even in the face of physical and mental challenges. Their story highlights the diversity and resilience of the Dearborn community.