Katya Salame is the first HFCA student to play HFC varsity sports

HFC volleyball player Katya Salame has made HFC history by being the first Henry Ford Collegiate Academy (HFCA) student to play varsity sports for the Hawks.

“When I received the call from Coach Kija Chambers informing me that I could continue my volleyball career at HFC, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” recalled Salame. “I was worried that enrolling in the HFCA might mean giving up the sport I loved most, so this opportunity felt like a second chance I never expected. I can't help but feel sorrow for the talented athletes before me, including my older sisters, who had to stop their athletic pursuits to prioritize their education. But I’m also filled with hope and excitement for the younger athletes following in my footsteps. I'm proud to have paved the way for them to balance academic excellence with the wonderful opportunities of being a collegiate athlete.”

A technical hurdle

In late 2023, Chambers and Assistant Coach Arielle Fox saw Salame play at a district game at Dearborn High School. The two coaches were there scouting players from the opposing team when they noticed Salame’s athleticism. They reached out to offer a chance to join the HFC roster, but Salame explained that, as an HFCA student, she would need to wait another year.

Undaunted, Chambers reached out to HFC Athletic Director Rochelle Taylor and National Junior College Athletic Association officials to explore Salame’s options.

HFCA is a partnership between HFC and Dearborn Public Schools that begins in 11th grade and offers an opportunity to earn a high school diploma together with an associate degree one year after earning their diploma. In their junior year, students begin taking courses at HFC. In the following two years, they take nearly all of their courses at HFC as they work toward an associate degree. Their first two years of an undergraduate degree are paid for by the State of Michigan. Many HFCA students go on to complete a bachelor’s degree at four-year colleges and universities.

At first, the appeal to the NJCAA did not lead to success. “I learned that I wouldn't be allowed to play at HFC because I didn't have a high school diploma. I don't know who was more devastated to hear that news – I or my parents. Then, around May, I got a call from Coach Chambers saying there's hope. I had to fill out documents showing that I met all my high school requirements academically and athletically. And I had to get approval from the Dearborn High School athletic director, my counselors, and HFC President Russ Kavalhuna,” explained Salame.

Salame submitted the documents to the NJCAA for their final approval. She and her parents waited anxiously.

“In late June, I finally got approved!” declared Salame. “From that moment on, I was officially a Hawk athlete!”

A multi-sport athlete and scholar looking to make a positive impact

A lifelong Dearborn resident, Salame is the third of four children and the youngest daughter. Her older sisters, Danya and Natalia, are HFCA alumnae. Her younger brother, Jamal, will attend HFCA in the fall of 2025.

“HFCA offers numerous benefits for me and my parents,” said Salame. “Mostly because it’s 100% free, which alleviates years of financial burden on my parents, who have three children in college. Also, I am applying as a freshman in the fall of 2025 with 60-plus credits, but not as a transfer student. That leaves me eligible for all the freshman advantages. I enjoy the campus at HFC. All the faculty staff at the College are amazing and available to help.”

Salame graduated from DHS in 2024. She will graduate from the HFCA in 2025, earning her associate degree in science. She plans to study industrial engineering, and is considering Lawrence Technological University, Michigan State University, or the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as transfer options.

“My mom and my sister Danya are both engineers. After the pandemic, my mom continued to work from home, so I got to learn from her. This ignited some of my passions. Also being a woman in a male-dominated field excites me because I'm always up for a challenge and making a positive impact,” said Salame.

During her time at DHS, Salame was active in volleyball, basketball, and golf, serving as a captain in all three sports. She was also a member of the Cancer Awareness Club and National Honor Society, as well as the treasurer for the Student Council.

A real opportunity for leadership

At HFC, not only was Salame a member of the volleyball team, she was voted co-captain.

“I couldn't have asked for a better group of teammates. From day one, my co-captain Skylar Piper was incredibly helpful and supportive, making my transition easier. Each teammate brought a unique quality that I admired. Combined, we built a bond that made our season memorable. Being voted co-captain, I felt truly honored and grateful for the trust and confidence that they had in me,” said Salame. “Being a part of the team, I gained a sense of belonging. We built bonds that extend beyond the court. We support each other through challenges, celebrate victories, and depend on one another. They have absolutely become my second family, including the coaches. We didn't have the most successful outcome on the court this season, but it was a privilege to grow alongside them.”

AD Taylor was glad the NJCAA allowed the exemption for Salame, and others like her, to compete as varsity athletes. “We were happy that the NJCAA made the wise decision to allow students enrolled in early college and dual enrollment programs in Michigan [who have earned the equivalent of a high school diploma] to compete at the collegiate level. Katya is a perfect example, proving that dual enrollment students can excel in our programs.”

Piper enjoyed leading the team alongside Salame. She is proud of her accomplishments.

“From the moment Katya joined the HFC volleyball family, she fit in and her dedication and commitment were evident,” said Piper. “She became a great leader and made an impact on everyone around her – on and off the court. Katya walked into the gym every day with a purpose and a goal, and that showed great leadership.”

An instrumental leader

For Salame, the love of the game was a driving force.

“There's nothing I'd rather do more than be on that court with like-minded individuals,” she said. “Volleyball has always been an escape for me, a place where I can leave all my worries at the door and just do what I love, knowing that my teammates have my back.”

Last spring, Salame was won the Van Patrick Award at the 71st annual Sports Award Ceremony, sponsored by the City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Parks & Recreation Department. The namesake of the late sportscaster and Dearborn resident Van Patrick, this award is given to the top high school male and female student athletes of the four Dearborn-based high schools: DHS, Fordson High School, Edsel Ford High School, and Divine Child High School.

“Aside from being an amazing volleyball player, Katya is an even better person! She was one of our captains and an instrumental leader throughout our season. Through her program, we will only get one year with her but her impact on the coaching staff and teammates will last well beyond that,” said Chambers.

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Salame plans to attend law school with the goal of becoming a patent attorney.

“I will be able to use my knowledge to protect innovations and give back to my community,” she said. “I’ll create opportunities and advocate for those who may not have the resources. My goal is to inspire others and to be an outlet for those seeking to make a lasting impact in their own ways, similar to my experiences at HFC.”