The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 14-year-old Yael Picker as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The recent graduate of Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County (SSBC) will be taking her talents to Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy (SAR) in the fall. Yael was a key cog in the dominant SSBC soccer team that dominated the league this past spring. The team finished the season a perfect 8-0, scoring at least twice the goals of their opponent on all but one occasion enroute to a spot in the championship game. And what a championship game it was! After both teams finished regulation tied at four goals, Yeshivat Noam pulled off the upset with a 6-4 final.

Yael, congratulations on your junior high graduation! Who is your role model and why?

My mom, because she inspires others to do good things and is a good person and I want to be like her.

What is your favorite sport?

My favorite sport is soccer.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Winning two MVP badges in the Columbus Day Tournament.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Simone Biles—she faced a lot of hardship and persevered.

What is your earliest sport memory?

Playing in rec soccer at 6 years old.

What is your favorite sports memory?

First goal I ever scored off a corner kick.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?

Reading.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

Getting a lot of play time and being the captain of my travel team.

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].