Breaking Barriers: How Assyrian Women Are Rewriting Iraq’s Volleyball History

In a powerful display of athletic excellence and cultural pride, Assyrian women are dominating Iraq’s professional volleyball scene, comprising half of the national team despite representing less than 1% of the country’s population. Their inspiring journey from local clubs to international podiums showcases not just athletic prowess but the determination to overcome societal expectations and limited resources.

This month, Iraq’s national women’s volleyball team clinched bronze at the West Asia Championship in Amman, defeating Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Syria. Behind these victories stand remarkable young women balancing demanding academic careers, athletic excellence, and deep-rooted faith—all while inspiring the next generation.

Assyrian Women: Meet the Athletes Changing the Game

The Rise of Assyrian Volleyball Clubs

In recent decades, Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac clubs have flourished across northern Iraq, including powerhouses like Akkad Ankawa, Qaraqosh, and Sanhareeb in Duhok. This August, Sanhareeb won the Iraqi women’s volleyball league by defeating Akkad Ankawa, with Qaraqosh capturing bronze—a clean sweep for Assyrian clubs.

These teams have become more than sports organizations; they’re community anchors providing opportunities for young women to excel athletically while maintaining their cultural and religious identity.

Faith, Family, and Focus: Pre-Game Rituals

What makes these athletes particularly inspiring are the deeply personal rituals connecting their faith to their performance:

Daniela Najem Abbo wears a cross necklace before every match and looks at a picture of her late mother for inspiration. “Since my mother passed away when I was very young, I look at her picture before every game, and then I go into the match feeling inspired,” she shares.

Moreen Sabri makes the sign of the cross before every serve. “The most important and beautiful part of all this is that before every serve, I make the sign of the cross so I’m always blessed,” she explains. She also avoids social media hours before matches to maintain mental focus.

Doreen Romel Shamow relies on prayer for peace, strength, and confidence. “It gives me peace, strength and confidence. I also like to listen to music to boost my energy and clear my head,” she reveals.

Academic Excellence Alongside Athletic Achievement

These athletes shatter the myth that sports compromise academic success:

Moreen Sabri scored an impressive 97.83% on her secondary school exam while playing for the national team—one of the highest averages in Iraq. “Balancing studies and sports is difficult, but not impossible,” she notes.

Doreen maintains top student status while competing in both volleyball and basketball for Iraq’s national teams. “Many people believe that sports can negatively affect studies, but I am proud to prove that it is possible to excel both academically and athletically,” she affirms.

Daniela ranks among the top students in her architectural engineering program, supported by her coach who provides flexibility for her studies.

Overcoming Challenges with Determination

Each athlete has faced unique obstacles that tested their resolve:

Injury Recovery: Daniela struggled with returning to training after injuries, noting the difficulty of regaining rhythm while dealing with the mental challenge of bouncing back from losses.

Multi-Sport Balancing: Doreen juggles basketball and volleyball while maintaining academic excellence, requiring daily training sessions, gym time, and careful rest management.

Exam Pressure: Moreen faced tournaments coinciding with final exams, knowing she couldn’t perform at her best but pushing through regardless.

Dreams Beyond Borders

These women harbor ambitious goals extending beyond Iraq’s borders. Doreen aims to play professionally outside Iraq while serving as a role model: “I want to be a role model for young girls in my community and across the country, showing them that with dedication, discipline and belief in themselves, they can achieve their dreams.”

Daniela emphasizes the need for continued support: “Women’s sports in Iraq still have a long way to go, with only a few teams and limited support. Having opportunities for training camps abroad would help us grow and make a stronger mark on the sport.”

For more inspiring stories about women breaking barriers in sports and the power of athletic excellence across cultures, these Assyrian athletes demonstrate that determination transcends circumstances. Follow the latest international sports achievements and discover more athletes defying expectations worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Assyrian women play on Iraq’s national volleyball team?

Despite Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac Christians comprising less than 1% of Iraq’s population, they make up half of the twenty athletes (ages 18-24) on Iraq’s national women’s volleyball team. This remarkable representation emerged after Assyrian clubs like Sanhareeb, Akkad Ankawa, and Qaraqosh dominated the Iraqi women’s volleyball league, with Sanhareeb winning the championship and Qaraqosh taking bronze. The team recently won bronze at the 2025 West Asia Championship, defeating Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Syria.

How do these athletes balance academics with national team commitments?

These athletes demonstrate exceptional time management and discipline. Moreen Sabri scored 97.83% on her secondary school exam while playing for the national team. Doreen Romel Shamow maintains top student status in dentistry while competing in both volleyball and basketball, crediting sports with improving her focus and energy. Daniela Najem Abbo ranks among top architectural engineering students with her coach’s flexible support. They emphasize that sports actually enhances academic performance through discipline, mental refreshment, and improved focus rather than hindering it.