Siblings Khalil Sanogo, 11, off the courts, and Ayallah Sanogo, 9, work toward their respective sports, balancing their individual social and academic lives. The two siblings play at the varsity level and share similar goals. At home, the two siblings workout together and keep one another motivated.
“We constantly challenge each other to keep one another accountable,” Khalil said, “but honestly, I feel like I help her more than she helps me. I use my defense skills from football and try to mentor her.”
Khalil trains with his sister and applies his skills as a left tackle to sharpen Ayallah’s offensive skills. Along with helping her with the physical aspects of being an athlete, Khalil also reminds Ayallah to work past mental roadblocks, and discuss how she can improve moving forward.
“I call her after every game I can’t show up to,” Khalil said. “I ask her how she thinks she played and just talk to her about how she played.”
However, the two siblings value discipline and motivation to grow in their respective sports for different reasons.
“I just remind myself why I’m doing it to stay disciplined,” Ayallah said. “I love my sports, and I feel like God gave me this purpose and I can’t put the hard work I’ve put in to waste.”
“Some ways I stay motivated is just thinking about all the work I’ve done so far,” Sanogo said. “I remind myself that [being undisciplined] won’t fly at the next level.”
Both siblings plan to pursue their academic goals, along with working toward earning a position at the collegiate level for their respective sports.
“I would like to remain on academic first team, like this year,” Ayallah said. “Next year I want to be on the first team for both sports and win MVP for the district.”
“I would like to pursue a degree in chemical engineering,” Khalil said. “Along with fulfilling my dream of playing college football.”
