Athlete of the Week: Surraya Fadloullah, West Orange girls water polo

West Orange High girls water polo player Surraya Fadloullah has found the back of the net 242 times in her four seasons, leading the Lady Warriors in goals in each of those seasons. Now in her final run — with 65 goals, 38 assists and 78 steals in 26 games to her name — the star senior has led West Orange (24-5) to a second consecutive district championship, a regional championship and a berth in the state semifinals. 

The Warriors are now two wins away from the ultimate prize — a state title — and will play Gulliver Prep (20-3) Friday, April 19, in the state semifinals at the Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center in Miami for a chance to reach the state finals against the winner of the Seminole High/Miami Country Day game. 

The Basics

Age: 17

Sport: Water polo

Grade: Senior

School: West Orange High

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

I really appreciate it and am so honored. I’m thankful for my coach for teaching and mentoring me all these years and my teammates for supporting me and making water polo so fun. 

What do you like the most about water polo?

I love the team camaraderie — both inside and out of the pool. We really are friends. 

What is your goal for the rest of the season, both for yourself and for the team?

My goal for the rest of the season for my team is to make it to states. Winning would be great, but even making it there is such a huge accomplishment, and I’m so excited to see how far we go!

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from water polo?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from water polo is the discipline.

What is your favorite water polo memory?

My favorite memory was joining water polo for the first time and playing with my older sister, who got me into the sport.

Go-to pre-game meal?

A Red Bull.

What’s your go-to pre-game hype song?

“Just a Girl” by No Doubt.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

My favorite hobby outside of water polo is shopping!

What is your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject is science. I love to see what and why things work — especially marine and space science.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

I would bring a plane to get me out of there; my cat, Winnie, to keep me company; and chicken tenders.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Never let anyone’s words affect you.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Hello, future self. What are your plans for the week? Any music (events) coming up?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I had a superpower I would want super speed to get to wherever I need to be as fast as possible without a car.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

If I could go to three places, I would go to Japan, Malta and Morocco, because I love the culture, environment and food options in these places.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?

I would be a dolphin for a day, because I love the ocean. I (would) be able to explore the ocean as fast as a dolphin (does).

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Personally, pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza. But ask my mom, and she will say yes.

Sam Albuquerque is the Sports Editor for the Orange Observer. Please contact him with story ideas, results and statistics.

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