The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Ami Goldsmith as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The seventh grader at Yavneh Academy is coming off a phenomenal sixth grade season where he made multiple 20 plus scoring games. Ami also impressed the coaches at Ready To Ball (RTB) last month. When asked about Ami, RTB Director Rabbi Avi Rosalimsky told The Jewish Link, “Ami Goldsmith is the perfect combination of fun and athletic on the one hand, while also being kind and humble on the other hand. At the end of one day of camp this summer in Ready To Ball (RTB), after Ami beat his division in lineup, he was tasked with playing Ryan Turell in a one-on-one in basketball. Even though Ami lost the game, he was smiling ear to ear the entire time. After the game, Ami was asked how he feels after losing to Turell. He responded, ‘All that matters is that I had fun.’” Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, Yavneh Academy head of school added, “Ami excels in just about every sport. In many ways, he reminds me of a mini Troy Polamalu. As good as Ami is as an athlete, what is even more important and more impressive is the way he plays the game. He is inclusive of others and demonstrates fine midot on the ball field. That makes him a real winner!”
Ami, congrats on being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week! Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my dad because he got me into sports and ever since then I loved it.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is basketball. I have been playing ever since I was 2 years old and my parents bought me a little basketball hoop that they put in our living room. I used to play on it all the time when I was little.
What is your pregame routine?
I don’t have an official routine, but I like to listen to music and progressively shoot my way backwards from under the rim until I get to the 3-point line.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I first started playing organized basketball with MGBL. We ended up winning the championship and I got MVP of the game.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Kevin Durant. He’s a dominant player who doesn’t just rely on his height but he can also shoot the ball extremely well.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My father won courtside tickets to a Brooklyn Nets game. Saquon Barkley was sitting a couple seats down from us and I got a picture with him.
What is your funniest sports memory?
My funniest sports moment was when I threw up in a basketball game.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Hang out with my friends and playing video games.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Playing one-on-one against Ryan Turell. Of course, I ended up losing 5-2, but it was an awesome experience. I truly appreciate all the lessons I learned from him, the other coaches and the rabbis at the program.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Truth is I read this every week. I never thought I’d be picked.
The Humble Toast Star of the week will receive a $25 gift card to The Humble Toast. Please send nominees for an upcoming The Humble Toast Jewish Link Stars of the Week to [email protected].
