The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Kayley Mandelbaum as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Salanter Akiba Riverdale (SAR) seventh grader was one of the many stars on the SAR Sting seventh grade team that competed in a league against mostly eighth grade teams. When asked about Kayley, SAR coach Jean Martinez told the Jewish Link “Kayley is the pure definition of leadership. She leads by example by her skill set, her hustle, but more importantly, how she cares for her teammates. As passionate as she is on the court, she is very passionate about her relationships with her teammates as well. Her heart and will is very contagious for everyone on the team, including myself, and for that, it’s made me a better coach and a more mindful individual. She is the standard for what a student-athlete should be, and it is my pleasure to be her coach.” Sting team-mate Kira Blechner added “Kayley Mandelbaum plays as a leader and is the best person on the SAR seventh grade team.“
Kayley, congratulations on being recognized as this week’s sportstar of the week. Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my dad. He is my role model because he helped me start to love basketball and all sports. I always love watching basketball with him almost every week. He has taught me so many skills that brought me so far with sports. I am excited to see what other helpful skills he will teach me to improve my game in the future!
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport to play is basketball. I like it because it’s a challenging game that teaches the power of teamwork. A competitive player has to learn to work with the team and band together to be successful. I think it’s fun to shoot around with my dad, my friends and even alone. I feel alive on the court!
What is your earliest sports memory?
Before I found my love for basketball, my parents tried to get me into soccer. My mom thought I had a future as goalie and enrolled me in Super Soccer Stars at the age of four. I did enjoy it and learned some valuable concepts about being on a team, listening to a coach and competing for a win. I think this showed me my love for playing sports and brought out the competitive side of me. I still like to play soccer but I definitely do not prefer to be the goalie.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I like to think that my basketball career recently began. I am not ready to say my greatest accomplishment, but here are some things I’ve learned as a basketball player: Firstly, I learned to quickly take stock of the skills of the other members on my team each time I play. I learned to do this on the court at a pickup game during recess, with new friends at camp and of course with my SAR girls basketball team each season. Once you can recognize everyone’s strengths you can work together and compete. Secondly, early on I learned that you cannot win every game and it’s okay. I’ve learned from each game I’ve played and I’ve grown as a player every time I’ve walked off the court, whether we won or lost. I think it’s important to know how to lose gracefully. Lastly, I’ve learned the power of a good cheering squad. My family and friends show up to all of my games and cheer me on from the sidelines. I feel loved and supported by my fan club and when I look to the stands during a game I feel a rush of motivation.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Jalen Brunson because I like his ball handling skills and the way he takes the ball to the hoop with confidence. I also like the way he creates opportunities for himself and his teammates.
What is your pregame routine?
Before each game, I like to stretch my body, drink and breathe. Then I like to take a few practice layups and foul shots with my team. Right before I go on the court for the jump ball, I tell myself, “this is going to be my best game yet but at the end of the day this is meant to be fun and enjoyable, so I am going to have fun!”
What is your funniest sports memory?
My first passion before I enjoyed playing team sports, was gymnastics. I used to cartwheel down the sidewalk, in my dining room and sometimes even in the shul lobby. This all came to a halt when I accidentally cartwheeled right into my sister and knocked her over. My parents said there is absolutely no more gymnastics in the house. I decided it was a good rule of thumb to stick to only doing gymnastics in the gym.
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
It’s really hard to pick just one thing but here are a few of my favorites; I love to do art, bake, play board games, read and cricut.
What is your favorite sports moment?
One of my favorite sports memories is when I tried out for an infield position at the local girls softball league, A League of Our Own, but surprisingly I was made the pitcher. It took practice but I was surprised by how much I loved pitching. It was really a challenge but super fun!
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I like being part of a team and improving my skills every game!
The Humble Toast Sportstar of the Week will receive a $25 gift card to The Humble Toast. Please send nominees for an upcoming The Humble Toast Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected]
