Check Out Shukri Abdi’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shukri Abdi.

Shukri, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins with a dream I learned to keep quiet. Growing up, I fell in love with soccer at a young age, but that love lived mostly in silence. I was the only girl in a house full of brothers, watching from the sidelines, carrying a passion I didn’t feel free to express. I played when I could, hid it when I had to, and learned early what it meant to love something deeply while believing it might never be meant for you. Eventually, circumstances forced me to let go of that dream, and losing soccer felt like losing a part of myself.

Years later, while teaching soccer to little kids at the YMCA, I would finish my sessions and move straight into my own training, sprinting, pushing myself, doing what I usually do to stay connected to the athlete in me. As I looked down at the YMCA courts, I noticed people playing pickleball. Something about it pulled me in. I went down, asked what the game was and how to play, and a kind woman I had just met handed me a paddle and encouraged me to try. In that generous moment, something shifted inside me. It felt like Allah|God was quietly opening a door I didn’t realize I was still standing in front of.

That moment became the beginning of a new dream. I fell in love with the game and began training quietly, often on my own, practicing against walls, showing up to open play, and believing in something long before it looked possible. I’m still chasing that dream, still working toward where I want to be. I don’t know when or how it will unfold, but I trust that God does not place a dream in your heart without purpose. And when the time is written, what once felt hidden will be allowed to shine.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to move through spaces where people make assumptions before they ever get to know me. I’ve walked onto courts feeling the energy shift, hearing comments that sound like compliments, sensing laughter that lands heavier than it should, and facing expectations placed on me without anyone knowing my journey or how long I’ve been doing this. Being underestimated, especially in moments meant to be joyful, has been quietly difficult.

What I’ve had to overcome is letting those moments define me. I’ve learned to stay rooted in myself, to keep playing with joy instead of carrying the weight of other people’s perceptions. I’ve learned to protect my heart while remaining kind, to let my presence speak louder than explanations. Through it all, my faith has grounded me. Allah sees the effort, the discipline, and the intention behind every step, and trusting that has given me the strength to keep going, even when the path feels lonely.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is rooted in purpose and service. I’m a professional pickleball coach, a mental health support provider, and someone who works closely with children who remind me every day why belief matters. Coaching, for me, goes far beyond the sport. It’s about creating safe spaces, building confidence, and helping people reconnect with themselves, especially those who feel unseen or misunderstood.

I’m also building a clothing brand grounded in modesty, authenticity, and freedom, something inclusive that allows people, especially girls, to feel comfortable being exactly who they are. Everything I do is connected the coaching, the support, the brand, the community. I’m most proud of creating work that helps people feel strong, worthy, and brave enough to believe in their dreams.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the industry moving toward more humanity and intention. Over the next 5–10 years, I believe sports and wellness spaces will place greater value on mental health, inclusivity, and authenticity rather than just performance or appearance. People are starting to realize that success isn’t only about winning, it’s about feeling seen, supported, and safe while pursuing your passion.

I also believe there will be more space for people who don’t fit the traditional mold to lead, coach, and inspire. Women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, will continue to step into visibility and reshape what leadership in sports looks like. Faith, purpose, and personal values will no longer feel like things we have to hide. I believe God is opening doors for more honest stories, and I hope to be part of an industry that leads with kindness, courage, and community.

Contact Info:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shurkria.pb