The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Gal Mermelstein as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Gal is a sixth grader at Yeshivat He’Atid and captain of the Teaneck Swim Academy swim team. She won two first place ribbons—for breaststroke and butterfly—at the swim meet last month. She is also an avid basketball player for the He’Atid girls CMEK team. Swim Coach Judy Leffel told The Jewish Link, “Gal has proven herself to be more than willing to help others to achieve their dreams, while continuing to be a strong swim team captain. She leads by example, and her swim times reflect her ability to practice unrelentingly, until she is satisfied with her speed in the water. Chad Meckles of CMEK echoed Coach Judy’s thoughts, “Gal has improved steadily over the past couple of years by training regularly to develop all of her skills. She is a relentless competitor and strong leader. Oftentimes, she pumps up her teammates through positive encouragement.”

Gal makes sure to always include all her teammates and comes in with a positive attitude that sets the tone for the group. She is currently battling an injury, a stress fracture in her right hip requiring her to be on crutches. She hopes to be able to overcome her injury and join the He’Atid Hurricanes for basketball in the spring season.

Gal, mazel tov on your bat mitzvah this week and for being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Who is your role model and why?

My dad, because he never gives up. He was the captain of the MTA hockey team when they won their sixth championship in 1996.

What is your favorite sport?

Swim, because it’s fun.

What is your pregame routine?

Get hyped up with my teammates!

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Two first place ribbons, one in breaststroke and one in butterfly, at my first swim meet and being captain.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Wayne Gretzky (Go Rangers!) because he is inspirational. His quote is “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Which is basically saying that if you don’t try, you will never be able to succeed.

What is your earliest sports memory?

I used to be on a competitive dance team, starting at 6 years old.

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

Watch Marvel movies.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

I don’t really consider myself one, one but it is great to represent sports, my team and the community. I love when my team is all in sync with each other. Being nervous before is normal but once you start it all comes together.

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/yZy37A5hkHwhS3B88 at https://drinkitup.us/ or message Steve @ 201 578 7425. Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].