April 7, 2008

Alabama A&M volleyball student-athlete Madinah Abdullah had a breakout season in 2007 on the court helping lead the Bulldogs to a SWAC championship and NCAA Tournament berth. Last weekend she had another breakout performance, this time as the keynote speaker at Holy Family School's middle school athletics awards banquet.

Holy Family Booster Club President Chris Gaines applauded Abdullah's message to the children at the banquet.

"It was a pleasure to meet Madinah and hear her presentation. Her story of perseverance was inspirational and surely gave the kids something to think about. She had to leave before we dismissed, so she didn't hear the compliments that the parents extended her. We were all very glad to have her."

Alabama A&M head volleyball coach Nedra Brown echoed Gaines' sentiment.

"This is the type of leadership we expect from our young ladies both on and off the court. What this shows me is a sign of a maturation process with one of our student-athletes.  I know she was excited to have the opportunity, and I am extremely proud of her."