The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize 13-year-old Daniella Shlagbaum as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Daniella just completed a terrific season as the goalie of the Yavneh Redhawks. Her last year as a middle school goalie showed her toughness battling and overcoming early season ankle issues and a concussion. Perhaps her most amazing game (so far), occurred in the semifinals vs. Ramaz. Yavneh and Ramaz finished the season with identical 5- 2 records in a virtual tie for second place. Shlagbaum took a beating, because most of the game was played near the Yavneh goal. But she denied every shot on goal, securing a 1-0 victory for Yavneh and a trip to the championship game. The championship vs. Kushner was once again played mostly on the Yavneh side and although she stopped many shots, she couldn’t stop everything this time. Kushner defeated Yavneh to claim the championship, but, as one observer told the JLNJ, “Wow, Ma’ayanot is getting a terrific goalie next year.”
Daniella congratulations on a great season and your eighth grade graduation. I know you have many role models in your life. If you had to single out one, who would you point to?
My parents, because they are always willing to help me and everyone and they both are amazing people.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
I don’t have a favorite athlete but my favorite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What is your pregame routine?
Me and my friends Molly, Mia, and Tali pump each other up before the games and get ready together.
What is your earliest sport memory?
Winning best goaltender in fourth and fifth grade in Ma’ayanot Junior Hockey league.
What is your funniest sports memory?
Once I was opening my goalie bag to put on my equipment and a huge bug jumped out and I started freaking out. It must have been from that awesome hockey bag smell:)
What is your favorite sports memory?
Shutting out Ramaz at Ramaz 1-0 in semifinals this year.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you are not playing sports?
Singing, reading, or hanging with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
It is such an honor to be chosen and it makes me feel like all my hard work paid off.
The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for next week’s Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
