The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 12-year-old Layla Abenaim as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The sixth grader at Yeshivat Noam has the potential to be a key contributor on the Noam Knights Hockey team. When asked about Abenaim, Noam Knights coach Leora Sulimanoff told the JLNJ, “Layla loves sports and was so excited to be on the hockey team this year. She is a hard worker who is committed to her team and will push herself to do her best. We are lucky to have her as a member of our team.”
Layla, mazel tov on your bat mitzvah and as you look forward to the upcoming season, who is your role model and why?
My role model is Gabby Douglas because I started gymnastics very late just like her and I think anything is possible and that one day I will become like her.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
When I went to gymnastics and I FINALLY landed a cartwheel on the beam.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is probably Shea Weber because he plays defense in hockey just like I do and we are both from Canada.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
My pregame routine is whenever I am about to start a hockey game I think about how there are so many other people that are playing right now but my team is going to win.
What is your earliest sport memory?
My earliest sport memory is when I tried out for the hockey team and couldn’t wait until I got the results; everyday I would remind my coach, Coach S, to post it and it finally was the day for results and boom, I got in..
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is when I heard how all my friends who tried out for hockey got in, we were all so happy and jumped together and of course, we all fell.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
My favorite thing to do when I am not playing sports is to hang out with my friends and family especially when we are all together.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being good at sports is that even if you mess up your teammates will always be there to cheer you up. GO NOAM KNIGHTS!!
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the 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
