'Absolutely a gem': Alaliwi helps power Knights

Shaban Alaliwi misses his former classmates and teammates at Leamington District. "I'm gonna go watch some of their games." said the 5th year senior who is now at Holy Names after the family moved to Windsor.

Alaliwi was a starter at Leamington District High School and helped the team reach OFSAA last season and is hoping to reach the same heights with his new team.

Coming from Syria, Alaliwi made the move with his family to Canada in 2021. and picked up volleyball in grade 11 in Leamington.

"I love soccer. I still watch soccer but now my sport is volleyball." The 6'3 left side hitter told Powerplay Sports. "I got better at it. I kept working hard and hopefully it takes me somewhere."

"He is absolutely a gem not only on the court, but off the court," said head coach Stacey Ditchfield. "You can't ask for a better young man who has come from a country where you know, him and his mother and his sister moved here, and the trials and tribulations they've gone through. He's just tenacious and he makes everybody better around him."

Alaliwi was a middle in Leamington but is rounding out his game in South Windsor. "He's a true middle and he's playing left side for us because he's our best passer."

When Alaliwi showed up to the gym during the summer Ditchfield knew he'd be a great addition to the team. "He's always looking to get better. Miss, what can I do? Can we have extra practice? Can I try this?" Ditchfield said with excitement. "He'll ask about the other team's defense. He takes more on himself than anything else. He does try and take the weight of the team on his shoulders and that's just who he is. He's a gamer."

He was a force Tuesday as Holy Names beat Riverside in straight sets. The Knights were the top seed heading into the playoffs a year ago but lost to St. Anne in the first round. With Alaliwi in the lineup the Knights beat the Saints 2-1 Wednesday to improve to 6-0 on the season.

"We're hoping to get back to OFSAA. I'm hoping to do it again. Practice hard. Hopefully get it."