For freshman Laila Hasnoui, sports have been a critical part of developing who she is as a person. Hasnoui is a multi-sport athlete, participating in both women’s wrestling and rugby.

“I used to be a very, very, very closed-off person, and I still kind of am,”  Hasnoui said. “But I feel like when you join a club, or when you join sports, you find your people, and that’s really important when you’re in high school.”

Hasnoui was able to find “her people” by attending various sporting events, including Rockville’s wrestling summer conditioning. Hasnoui said the camp allowed her to meet new people and feel less alone as she entered high school.

“When you can’t find your people, it’s very lonely. It’s not fun. And, you know, finding your people just makes things a lot better,” Hasnoui said.

Sports has not only allowed her to be more open but also taught her to be disciplined and determined with what she does. Hasnoui said these abilities lead her to set an example for others.

“Discipline is where talent becomes ability. That’s the best advice that I could give to anybody,” Hasnoui said.