A Few Questions with Senior, Malak Rabuck

Malak Rabuck is in her final semester at Arizona State University. Below, Malak reminisces on her time as a Sun Devil and her future plans. Malak will graduate with a BS in Computer Science/Cyber Security, with a focus on Information Technology.

Talk about your experience playing hockey at ASU.
M: I feel as though my experience playing here at ASU has been like nothing I could have ever dreamed of. Due to the fact that I started playing hockey at a much later age than most, I felt that playing college hockey was not in my cards at all. This ASU team has shown me the true meaning of what it is like to be a part of a team, and I am so forever grateful for the experience.
 
What is your favorite thing about playing hockey at ASU?
M: My favorite thing about playing hockey at ASU has to be the team hands down. I have played on many different sports/hockey teams in my life and have never met a better group of people. This team has embraced me with open arms from the beginning, and the people and culture on this team have shaped me not only into a better hockey player but also a better person. This team is my family, and I am forever grateful for them. 
 
What is your favorite hockey memory from ASU?
M: There is no way that I could ever just pick one favorite hockey memory from ASU, as I feel that every memory (no matter how small) is what my experience here is composed of. Memories that range anywhere from my first goal, running outside the rink at 6:30 am, traveling to different states and watching my friends/coaches recover lost IDs [at airports], winning our first ever collegiate game, Ruben, doing the CanCan for the first time, taking gifs with Karl, laughing so hard my stomach hurt with my teammates, and even getting bag skated until I saw stars. All of these moments and so many more are what make up how I will remember this team. So I guess if I had to choose my favorite memory, it would have to be just being with my team, no matter what the circumstance. 
 
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for ASU Women's Hockey?
M: The legacy I hope to leave behind for ASU Women's Hockey is to remind everyone that not all legacies can be seen on paper, but all can be felt. That the best way to make your mark on this team is by being true to who you are and letting that be your legacy. Allowing yourself to be yourself is a legacy on its own, and you should never lose sight of that. Your own story is the greatest legacy that you can leave for your teammates, and so I hope that I left the best story I could have for them. 

Any advice for younger players or players looking to play at ASU?
M: To all the younger players looking to play at ASU, I would have to say that my advice to you is to never give up. Don't let the things you can't control bring you down, but rather focus on what you can control. As someone who didn't start taking hockey seriously until the age of 15, I found myself constantly comparing my skills to girls who were more experienced than me. I would let these comparisons bring me down, which in turn stunted my growth as a player. Don't ever let anyone instill the idea in you that you are not good enough. It’s impossible to beat a person who never gives up. Keep your eyes on the sky and reach for the stars! 
 
What is your plan after graduation?
M: My plans after graduation consist of furthering my skills in Computer Science and Cyber Security through hands-on tech experience in the real world. I'm not quite sure where yet, but I sure am excited to get there.

From Malak, "While there are a million people I would like to thank, I would like to start by saying thank you to my family. You guys supported this dream of mine from the very beginning and helped me get from the ice rink in Kuwait all the way to here. You guys have always been there for me no matter what, and I don't know what I did to deserve you all. Thank you, Mom, Dad, Maya, Mariam, and Luna for the endless love and support. - <3  انا احبك جدا  - I would also like to thank my coaches for their guidance throughout this sport. Lastly, I would like to thank my teammates. If anyone of you is reading this right now I seriously don't know how to say thank you enough. I can't imagine my life without you, you guys are truly some of the best people I have ever met in my entire life. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your family, as you will always be a part of mine <3"