DEARBORN — Wayne State University (WSU) student Youssef Bazzoun, 23, of Dearborn, has had a successful semester as the first Arab American on the University’s lacrosse team, a game that combines elements of hockey and football and pits college teams against each other all the way to the championships.

Bazzoun, who is eyeing an undergrad degree in Criminal Justice, hopes to be a lawyer one day. In the meantime, he was looking to get involved in an extra curricular activity, and stumbled across Club Lacrosse during the college’s open house registration day.

Coach Ian of the lacrosse team had been looking for some diversity to play on the team. In the two years since the team had formed, they had only one Indian player and one African American player, both of whom graduated. It also helped that Bazzoun seemed to have some sharp skills, he grew up playing Hockey all his life. 

Bazzoun, #44, poses with the WSU lacrosse team.

Bazzoun says he didn’t know what to expect when joining a team of about 20 guys who he had not been familiar with. But those strangers quickly formed into friendships. Bazzoun says the entire team has become a second family for him.

“I might be the only Arab American on the team, but your race doesn’t really matter. You can be Arab, Black, Jewish, Hispanic…but your color is green,” Bazzoun says, referencing the color of his team.

Bazzoun started off as a Mid-fielder during the games. Recently, he started playing Face-Off, lining up against the  opposing team to try and gain control of the ball after it is dropped by a referee. 

He encourages other Arab Americans to get involved in sports at their colleges, because it is a good way to represent the community. He references one of his Idol’s, Wayne Gretzky, a former NHL hockey player and head coach, who once said “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.”

“I think it’s a great way to show the Dearborn community that you can reach for the stars. Don’t be afraid of what you can do,” Bazzoun added.

The lacrosse team at WSU is currently 2-2 for the season. Their next game takes place on Saturday, April 13 at 1:00 p.m. at WSU, where they will be facing Saginaw Valley. Admission to watch the game is free of charge.