'I get to be different,' says Utah Muslim soccer player dedicated to her religion

By Mike Anderson and Molly Farmer, Deseret News

Published: Tuesday, Sept. 20 2011 12:39 a.m. MDT

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Summary

Serene Kergaye's religion is important to her — so important that she wears a headscarf, long sleeves and long pants even when she's on the soccer field at Cottonwood High School.

That's in part because Kergaye had a sense of humor about it.

"She would come every day, and she would say stuff like, 'I'm so excited for when I can eat again, because I'm going to take on all of you guys. I'm going to take you down!" recounted teammate Ali Bromley-Dulfano.

Kergaye said it's not about the fasting and the layers of clothing to her, it's about living her religion.

"Pretty much, everybody thinks their religion is 'the religion,' but I think mine is right, so I'm going to follow it and I'm not going to go half way," she said.

Teammates say that dedication extends onto the field.

"Of all the girls on the team, Serene probably puts the most into her playing," Bromley-Dulfano said.

"I get to be different," Kergaye said. "I'm OK with that."

Email: mfarmer@desnews.com , Twitter: mollyfarmer

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Montana Mormon

Miles City, MT

As a practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I "claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of [my] own conscience, and allow all men [all people] the same privilege, let them worship More..

8:03 a.m. Sept. 20, 2011
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Wyclif

OREM, UT

Good for her. She should love it here. I think her Mormon friends and team mates can understand her better than most.

7:13 a.m. Sept. 20, 2011
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Munk

Cottonwood Heights, UT

This young lady is to be applauded. Her attitude is magnificent and this to me is an example of how things should be. We are all strong united, regardless of our faiths. Excellent article.

2:11 a.m. Sept. 20, 2011
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