Richie Meno is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Dysart HS for AZPrep365.com

YOUNGTOWN, Ariz. - Whether she’s setting up a play or setting words to a paper, Madina Chougui brings the same determination to every part of her life. 

At just 14 years old, the Dysart High School freshman is already setting her own rhythm on the volleyball court, in the classroom, and even on the pages of her published book. 

“I started playing volleyball when I was in second grade,” Madina said. “My friend asked me to join a rec team at the YMCA with her, and ever since then I just fell in love with it.”

Now a JV setter and right-side hitter, Madina has spent her first high school season learning how to lead, adjusting to faster play, and building confidence at a new level of competition. 

Her hard work paid off, she quickly bonded with her teammates and earned her coach’s trust. 

“I think I formed a close bond with all my teammates really quickly,” she said. “That’s the kind of sport volleyball is, you get close with the girls fast.”

Her mother, Nabila Chougui, sees that passion every time her daughter steps on the court.

“When I watch her play, I feel everything she feels,” Nabila said. “If she messes up or does something great, I feel it too. But I always keep a smile on because I know she looks for me in the stands.” 

Being promoted to JV as a freshman didn’t happen by chance. “She worked very hard to get there,” Nabila said. “She’s very disciplined for her age, very mature. All those years practicing, playing at the YMCA, it paid off.”

The work ethic shows in how Madina balances school and sports. “I make sure to get all my work done in class,” she said. “I’m only taking one honors class, English, because I love literature. I just stay on top of it, and then I focus on volleyball after school.”

Her discipline extends beyond the court. 

In 2024, she published her first book, Anything But Perfect, a story about striving for perfection and learning to accept flaws. A theme that reflects her own mindset as an athlete. 

“I used to watch old videos of Princess Diana,” she said. “She would smile, but I could tell it was fake. That’s when I thought maybe perfection isn’t real. So I wrote about how people chase it, even though it doesn’t exist.”

But on the court, Madina continues to chase progress not perfection. 

Her mom remembers one match that showed her daughter’s growth as a player. “Her jump float serve,” Nabilla said with a proud laugh. “She was scared to try it at first, but her coach told her, ‘You can do it.’ and it worked! That moment showed her what confidence can do.”

Madina’s season may have ended, but her goals haven’t. She plans to play again at the YMCA during the winter and hopes to make varsity in her sophomore year. All while continuing to write and excel in school. Balancing it all isn’t easy, but she makes it look effortless.

Her brother, Elyess, says his younger sister inspires him.

“It really amazes me how much she juggles,” he said. “She stays calm and collected while doing everything. She might be younger than me, but she motivates me to do better.”

For Madina, every serve, essay, and story page connects to the same idea; growth through persistence. Whether she’s perfecting a jump float serve or rewriting a chapter, she carries the same focus and heart.