Tunisia trio carry childhood dreams to Chile

Tunisia captain Malak Allouch and teammates Khadija Louati and Hajer Karamosly are getting a first-hand look at the level of international volleyball at the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship in Chile, while representing a country they all grew up hoping to play for.

Allouch wanted to reach the highest level she could, and competing in Chile has given her and her teammates the chance to face strong opponents and see the standard of volleyball at this age group.

“I always dreamed of reaching a good level of volleyball so I could play at the biggest stage,” Allouch said. “Representing Tunisia in this Under 17 World Championship has been a wonderful experience and a huge privilege for me and the team. We played well against tough opponents and saw a very good level of volleyball, which inspired us to work harder.”

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Louati grew up wanting to become a professional player and represent Tunisia, while Karamosly’s ambition was influenced by her father and his own career in the sport.

“When I was younger, I always dreamed of having a professional volleyball career and representing Tunisia,” Louati said. “Today, being able to represent my country is something I’m extremely proud of, and it means so much to me.”

“Ever since I was young, I have dreamed of becoming a professional volleyball player and carrying on my father’s career in the best possible way,” Karamosly said. “I am still working to achieve this goal, and I am very proud of myself because I’m here representing my country at the World Championship.”

Family has been an important part of all three players’ development. Allouch credits her parents with supporting her regardless of results, particularly when she has doubted herself.

“My parents were always there for me, especially in the moments of doubt,” Allouch said. “No matter what the results were, they were always proud of me and encouraged me when I needed them the most. I’m really grateful for them.”

Louati has had the support of her mother, father and sister, as well as the coaches who have worked with her since she started playing.

“My family has always believed in me, my mom, dad and sister,” Louati said. “I’m also grateful to all the coaches who have supported and trained me from day one until today.”

Karamosly also points to her family as the people who have supported her when she has had doubts.

“The people who believed in me the most, especially when I doubted myself, were definitely my family,” she said. “They have been by my side throughout my journey, always giving me advice and encouraging me to keep shining and giving my best.”

The three have different ways of handling the pressure and challenges that come with the sport. Allouch makes a conscious effort not to let volleyball results define how she sees herself.

“I always remember that my self-worth isn’t defined by volleyball, and I try to enjoy the game,” Allouch said. “I think it’s very important for young players to find their identity outside of the sport.”

Louati reminds herself why she started playing and tries to keep enjoying the game even when things are difficult.

“I try to remember why I started because I love volleyball,” she said. “I focus on enjoying every moment, learning from challenges and staying true to myself.”

Karamosly uses the goals she has set for herself to stay focused on what she wants to achieve.

“My goals are what help me stay true to myself and enjoy the journey because they are the main reason I keep going,” she said.

Allouch speaks about patience and trusting herself, while Louati has learned to accept that progress takes time.

“Volleyball has taught me how much I’m capable of when I trust myself, as well as never giving up and being patient,” Allouch said.

“Volleyball taught me patience and how to face challenges,” Louati said. “It showed me that progress takes time and that difficult moments can make you stronger.”

Karamosly says volleyball has taught her to take responsibility for herself.

“Volleyball taught me valuable lessons in responsibility and self-reliance because it’s a sport where, when you work hard, you can reach your dreams.”

The three players are also aware of what it can mean for younger girls in Tunisia to see them competing at this level.

Allouch hopes they see volleyball as a sport that could one day allow them to represent their country. As captain, she also wants to set an example in how she supports her teammates.

“I want them to consider volleyball as a chance to represent their countries at the highest level and fulfill their dreams. Also, see me as a good teammate who is always willing to help the team.”

Louati hopes young girls can see themselves following the same path.

“I hope they see someone who believes in her dreams and never gives up,” she said. “I want young girls to know that with passion, patience and hard work, they can represent Tunisia one day too.”

Karamosly wants them to understand the work involved in reaching this level.

“When young girls see me playing here, I hope they see the hard work I went through to reach this level, and I hope they see me as an idol.”

Quick links:
FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship
FIVB Junior World Champs Instagram
Volleyball World YouTube
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