ABDOULALI JIRANI OF UNIVERSITY OF THE OZARKS, a senior goalkeeper on the men's soccer team from Wylie, Texas, has been selected the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Character and Community Male Student Athlete of the Week for the week beginning November 11.
The SCAC Character & Community award honors the efforts of student-athletes who excel in the field of athletics, and also serve their campus and community.
Abdoulali Jirani found a home at University of the Ozarks. After transferring in to complete his final two seasons of soccer eligibility, the senior worked hard and eventually landed the starting goalkeeper spot in 2024. The native of Wylie, Texas, was a strength of the team and proved his worth by making a number of highlight reel saves during the season. Head coach Aaron Brueckner attributes Jirani’s consistency and perseverance as reasons for excelling as a goalkeeper and landing the starting spot.
Abdoulali believes athletes can overcome anything with determination and perseverance.
“The more you can stick to what you believe in, and the more you can persevere, that goes a long way,” he said. “I think having faith and a belief in yourself that you can overcome anything whether its injuries, not playing or mental illness, is important.”
Known for his consistent effort in practice, in games and in the classroom, Abdoulali understands the importance of setting an example for his teammates and fellow student-athletes.
“Being a role means doing the right things on and off the field,” he said. “It takes a level of professionalism to be successful even though we aren’t professionals. I have tried my best these past two years to be a role model for the younger guys.”
Abdoulali has excelled in the classroom as a finance major. He was named to the Academic All-Conference Team last season and will be a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Honor Roll this season.
Abdoulali credits the game of soccer for life lessons and is thankful to have the opportunity to play collegiate soccer.
“I am at the end of my journey, but I am so grateful for the memories that soccer has given me,” he said. “All of my teammates and my coaches have been so influential. I can’t be thankful enough for the game.”
January 29, 2025