The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Mali Antosofsky as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Mali is a senior at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School and will be taking her talents to MMY in the fall. She has been on the Ma’ayanot softball team since her freshman year and has been a vital cog both defensively and offensively this year. When asked about Mali, Coach Yoni Lieber told The Jewish Link “Her strong plays at second base, along with her consistent hitting helped Ma’ayanot immensely. More importantly, Mali is a team player who genuinely cares about all of her teammates. She always asks to make sure everyone can get some playing time, and encourages the freshmen (even her sister) to get involved in the team and be enthusiastic about the team. She has been a great role model for the younger players and has been a joy having on the team.”

Mali, congrats on another great season at Ma’ayanot. Who is your role model and why?

My older sister because she’s so good at softball and inspired me to practice and get better. She also always has catches with me to improve my fielding.

What is your favorite sport?

My favorite sport is softball because the feeling you get when you hit a ball to drive in a run or make a great play in the field is incomparable to other sports. And I love the unity you need in order to win games. It’s also a really fun game to play.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Practicing for hours to become the starting second baseman on my softball team sophomore year.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

My favorite athlete is Jacob DeGrom because watching him pitch in games is amazing because there is no one else like him.

What is your pregame routine?

On the way to the game I listen to music and mentally prepare myself to play.

What is your earliest sports memory?

My earliest sports memory is playing football in my backyard with my siblings and father.

What is your favorite sports memory?

My favorite sports memory is when I went to my first Knicks game with my uncle and brothers. They lost but it was still a super exciting game to watch.

What is your weirdest sports memory?

A weird sports memory of mine was in the softball little league I used to play in. I struck out five times in a game and then hit a home run on my first at bat the next game.

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

My favorite thing to do when I’m not playing sports is play piano and sing.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

To know that my hard work has paid off.

The Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week will receive a 5% discount on their next order @Drink Up, order with https://forms.gle/k8cjADWpMne9bPed7 or message Steve Gutlove 201 578 7425. Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].