The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize twelve -year-old Sophia Esses as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Yavneh Academy sixth grader loves sports—watching and playing! She plays basketball for MGBL and CMEK. She has played softball in the Yavneh Youth League and TBO. This year she added hockey to her list of sports, as is a member of the Yavneh Academy Redhawks hockey team. Sophia’s mother told the JLNJ “She seriously lives and breathes sports, knows all the players and stats on the teams she watches (Rangers, Mets, Giants). And is always up for going to a live game.”

Sophia, I know you are a very motivated person. Where do you get your inspiration?

My role models are professional athletes because I want to be like them and play sports when I grow up.

What is your favorite sport?

Hockey.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Scoring 17 points in my basketball game.

Who is your favorite athlete?

I don’t have one because I just like to watch and play sports.

What is your pre-game routine, if you have one?

Before every basketball game I shoot 5 foul shots.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Going to a Ranger game with both my parents when I was 1-year-old.

What is your weirdest sports memory?

The other team went to defend the wrong basket and I was the only one who knew which was the correct basket and I took the ball and scored.

What do you like to do when not playing sports?

Watching sports.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Riding the Zamboni during the first intermission at a Rangers game.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

I get to be recognized for my love of sports.

 The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].

By JLNJ Sports Desk