The Jewish Link of NJ and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 17-year-old Danielle Gardner as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The 12th grader at the Bruriah High School is a two sport athlete: a star on the Bruriah soccer team and captain of the 6-6 basketball team. Bruriah’s Athletic Director Susan Rifkin told the JLNJ “Danielle is a reliable, mature captain who loves playing basketball and soccer. Her enthusiasm and commitment are outlasted only by her earnestness to give 100% to everything she does.”
Danielle, congratulations on another great year at Bruriah. If you had to select one person, who would you say is your role model and why?
My Mom. She works a full time job outside of the house with a commute of two hours each way. Yet she is always there for me and my siblings whenever we need her. She makes sure the house is always in great shape and that the family has food to eat. Despite all that, she comes to most of my sports games to cheer me on.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport to play is basketball and my favorite sport to watch/follow is football.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Last basketball season, my team overcame all odds and made it all the way to the championship game.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Derek Jeter who played for my favorite baseball team, the Yankees, because he always put his team first and didn’t focus on personal accomplishments.
What is your pregame routine?
I go behind the three point line and have someone play defense, putting their hand in my face, while I practice my shots.
What is your earliest sport memory?
Watching my older brother pitch in little league.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
One game while on JV basketball, I mistakenly shot towards the wrong basket. Thankfully, I had realized mid-shot and was therefore able to alter my shot.
What is your favorite sports memory?
When the Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018, since I am a huge Caps fan. I was also able to attend the victory parade in downtown DC, where I was situated 10 feet away from the players as they went by.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I think it would be a positive reflection on my coaches, who put in so much of their time and energy to help me get better at the sports I play, and my awesome teammates, who are always there to support me.
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
