A Sporting Legacy Born at Home
Elaf Al Sharief grew up surrounded by sports. Her father was a basketball player at the famous Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia, and his love for the game naturally passed on to her and her siblings. Although they never shared the court or trained together, Elaf says the passion was always in her blood. “You can say it’s genetics,” she smiles. “My dad never really showed us the ropes or aimed to turn us into basketball players, but growing up around his pictures, trophies, and medals made us fall in love with the game.”
This early influence shaped her dreams. From a young age, Elaf had a competitive spirit and a strong desire to be the best. Whether on the court or in life, she always pushed herself to reach higher goals.
The Spark That Started It All
Elaf’s basketball journey began when she joined a private sports academy called Armed. The academy would later merge with Al Ahli Club, giving her the opportunity to grow in a more structured and professional environment.
However, the road wasn’t smooth. “One of my biggest challenges was not getting a fair chance to show what I could really do,” she says. Elaf felt ready to prove herself, but when the opportunity came to play in a major tournament, an unexpected injury took her out of the game.
It was a heartbreaking moment. “I got injured right before the tournament,” she recalls. “It was the moment I had been waiting for, and I couldn’t play.” Many athletes might have given up. But not Elaf.
Rising Stronger After Injury
After months of recovery and rehabilitation, Elaf returned to the court—stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever. Her comeback was nothing short of impressive. She won first place in a regional division tournament, a huge moment that proved her talent and hard work. Soon after, she and her team took third place in a competitive 3×3 tournament, showing that she was back and better than before.
“I learned that everything happens for a reason,” Elaf shares. “The injury taught me patience and discipline. I didn’t stop working hard. I didn’t give up.”
Starting From Scratch and Building a Legacy
What makes Elaf’s story so powerful is not just her athletic achievements, but her mindset. She never had it easy. She wasn’t handed opportunities. Instead, she created them. “I would like to be remembered as someone who started from scratch,” she says. “Even though there were a lot of setbacks, I never allowed it to stop me. I always believed that I would reach my goal—and even go beyond it—if I put in the work.”
She emphasizes the importance of consistency, discipline, and belief in oneself. “Hard work pays off,” she says simply. “Never doubt yourself.”
Championing the Next Generation
While Elaf continues her athletic journey, she is also working to support and uplift the next generation of Saudi athletes. She is now a partner at Jeddah Dream Academy, a sports training center that focuses on nurturing young talent.
“My goal is to improve the sports industry in Saudi Arabia,” she explains. “We want to give young athletes—especially girls—the support, training, and opportunities they need to succeed.”
With more young girls showing interest in sports, especially after seeing Saudi women make headlines in basketball, football, and even international competitions, Elaf believes the time is now. “The future of Saudi sports is bright,” she says. “But we need the right leadership, guidance, and programs to make it happen.”
Jeddah Dream Academy offers training, mentorship, and development programs that aim to build both skills and character. “It’s not just about winning games,” she says. “It’s about building athletes who are strong, focused, and dedicated.”
Fighting Spirit on and off the Court
One thing that defines Elaf Al Sharief is her “fighter mentality.” Whether it’s recovering from injuries, facing setbacks, or trying to be seen in a competitive space, Elaf has always shown resilience and leadership.
She believes in leading by example. “I want to be a good example to my team. I want to be known as someone who is disciplined, committed, and hardworking,” she says. “That’s how you earn respect.”
Elaf’s teammates and coaches often describe her as a natural leader—someone who lifts others up and never quits, no matter the challenge.
Women in Sports: A New Era in Saudi Arabia
Elaf’s story is also part of a much bigger movement happening in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the country has made major changes to open doors for women in sports. From school programs to professional leagues, there is growing support for female athletes across the Kingdom.
“Ten years ago, this would have been impossible,” Elaf says. “Now, we have women’s teams, tournaments, and even national representation. It’s just the beginning, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Still, she acknowledges that there is work to be done. “There are still challenges. We need more support, more visibility, and more trust in female athletes. But we’re moving in the right direction.”
Elaf’s journey proves that change is possible, and it’s driven by people who are willing to fight for it.
Advice for Future Athletes
To young athletes looking up to her, Elaf offers simple but powerful advice:
“Never stop working hard. Never give up. Stay consistent. Stay disciplined. And never doubt yourself.”
She believes that success is not about luck—it’s about effort. “If you want it, you have to work for it. Don’t wait for someone to hand it to you.”
She also encourages athletes to learn from their failures. “Setbacks will happen. Injuries, missed chances, being overlooked—it’s all part of the journey. But if you keep going, those setbacks become part of your strength.”
What’s Next for Elaf Al Sharief?
Looking ahead, Elaf wants to continue growing both as an athlete and a mentor. She hopes to play in more tournaments, train harder, and inspire more young athletes to dream big.
At the same time, she wants to expand the reach of Jeddah Dream Academy—where she serves as a player, team captain, manager, and partner—and create more programs for youth across the Kingdom. “Sports changed my life,” she says. “And I want to help change others’ lives too.”
Whether on the court or in the community, Elaf is leading a new generation of Saudi athletes—one who believes in hard work, passion, and never giving up.
Her story reminds us that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about character, commitment, and the courage to keep going, no matter what.
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