The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize 15-year-old Hannah Nussbaum as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School freshman is creating quite a buzz in the hockey world of yeshiva sports. Her Kushner Cobras have raced out to a 4-0 record, taking wins over Ramaz, Westchester, Central and Ma’ayanot. The Cobras have outscored their opponents by a wide margin, but surprisingly, the bulk of the offense has come from an unexpected source. Although the Cobras are stacked with upperclassmen on both offense and defense, the spark on the scoreboard has been provided by freshman Hannah Nussbaum. Hannah, co- captain of last year’s junior high championship Cobras squad, has already left an impression. Starting in the preseason, Hannah quickly rose up the ranks to play on the second line of the varsity squad. “As a freshman on a senior-heavy squad, it can be hard to earn a coach’s trust right away,” says Kushner Hockey Coach Paul Reiz. “But, having coached her for the last two years, she knew exactly what was expected of her, showed it and has not stopped for a second, coming through for us in games where most freshmen are normally just learning what the varsity league is about.”
Nussbaum has not taken her place for granted and is already making the most of her opportunity. In the first four games of her high school career, she has already tallied a team-leading 14 goals. Her size and speed have been a great asset in the offensive zone, routinely muscling out girls two or three years older than she is and working her way to the net for high-percentage opportunities. In addition, her ability and intelligence in the defensive zone has worked to help keep other teams from getting opportunities of their own.
Hannah, it is great to see you off to a terrific start. Who is your favorite athlete?
Hailey Kops, because she started small and accomplished so much in such little time. She’s going to the Olympics.
Pregame routine, if you have one?
Pre game pep talks with Julia Morreale.
What is your earliest sport memory?
Our sixth grade hockey championship.
What is your greatest athletic accomplishment?
Being named a freshman starter on a varsity team — and a double hat trick.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
When not playing hockey, I like being with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Knowing all my hard work and the work of my team pays off.
The Jewish Link and Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for next week’s Jewish Link and Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected]
