The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Maayan Berkowitz as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Maayan is a senior at the Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls and the starting goalie for the Ma’ayanot Rapids soccer team. When asked about Maayan, Coach Marc told The Jewish Link, “Taking a different path than her sisters Maayan is a true rock in the back of the net. Having had the privilege to coach both her older sisters, Elisa and Noa, who were phenomenal players both on and off the field, Mayan is truly at another level. To be a goalie you have to be a little bit crazy, willing to throw your body at the ball that is being shot directly at you. To do so on an indoor field where it comes at you much harder and much faster is really on another level. Maayan handles everything with ease. She’s cool calm collected in that she exemplifies leadership both on and off the field/court and we are very excited to have her as our starting goaltender going into what we hope will be the most exciting season of yeshiva soccer we’ve had since the pandemic.”
Maayan congrats on the great season and for being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Who is your role model and why?
My role models are my sisters. They are always there to support me and are a major reason why I started playing soccer.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is definitely soccer. I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember and I just love the intensity and focus I feel while playing goalie.
What is your pregame routine?
Before every game, I tie my shoes and then tie one of my friend’s shoes. Then, I usually get some help putting on my goalie gloves—team work makes the dream work. Last but not least, I put on my helmet #concussionsafety
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I think my greatest sports accomplishment was probably sophomore year when my indoor soccer team was undefeated. We may have only had one game … but my team played well and I even scored a goal while playing goalie!
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Tobin Heath, a professional soccer player. I admire her dedication, resilience and incredible skill.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is playing at Red Bull Arena this year. It was such a cool experience to play on the same field that I have watched some of my favorite professional players play on— and it was definitely a memorable and fun senior night.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is watching my sisters’ soccer games on Sundays when I was still too young to have started playing myself. Through watching my sisters play (and, I’ll admit it, wanting to do everything they did) I developed a love of the sport.
What is the weirdest thing that happened to you while playing ball?
My weirdest sports memory is probably the time I tripped over the base during softball practice. I basically went flying, but it gave everyone a good laugh!
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 hang out with my friends. I’m also really passionate about hula hooping.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best part of being a Sportstar is that now my mom can hang up the article on our fridge!
Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
