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Profile

Farhiya Abdi, 19, began her career in South Red Stars and Fryshuset Basketball in Stockholm where she developed relatively late. It wasn't until she became 15 that she grew into her role as a prominent player and started to shine on the basketball court.

"I started out playing basketball, just for fun. It soon developed into something more than a hobby. Now I am completely consumed by it and it has become my number one priority.", says Farhiya.

She has since participated in the youth national team and played with 08 Stockholm Basketball League during her high school years.

After having graduated in summer 2011, she has also played in the Czech league and the Euroleauge. Her first season as a pro was successful and on this Monday, the American professional league WNBA showed interest in recruiting her.

Farhiyas parents are from Somalia. Her mother and father fled the war torn country in 1993 in hopes of giving their children a better future. She was born I Rinkeby, in central Stockholm, in a very segregated community. She was the only one in her group of friends and family that was motivated enough to become successful. "I never thought basketball would take her this far. Now I feel like the proudes parent in the world.", says her mother Amina Ali Osman.

During Monday evening 19-year-old Abdi Farhiya was drafted to the WNBA team Los Angles Sparks as 13th pick (first pick in 2nd round) in this year's draft. Stockholm BFD (Stockholm basketball association) wishes her much luck in in her future career. They also highlighted her as a fantastic role model for all girls who dreams of becoming as successful as her.