The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize 14-year-old Devora Rand as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Rand just completed a terrific season for the Yavneh Redhawks and will be taking her talents to Frisch in the fall. Coach Aliza Hiller told The Jewish Link, “Devora has really grown, over the years, into an incredible hockey player. She played for Yavneh all three seasons and scored 38 goals and had 14 assists in 25 games played. 25 of those goals were scored in her 9-0 undefeated eighth grade championship season. Not only did she do a great job scoring goals but also would set up her teammates for goals with great passes. She was voted unanimously by her teammates and coach to the first ever YMSSA middle school girls all star game. She was a leader and inspiration to the team on the court in her drive to always hustle and play to win. She was a pleasure to coach and will leave big shoes to fill as she graduates and moves to what I know will be a successful high school hockey career. Congratulations Devora on the well deserved Sportstar of the Week!”
Yavneh Head of School Rabbi Jonathan Knapp added, “Devora is not only a star on the court, but she is star off the court as well. A model student, Devora achieves stellar grades across the academic spectrum. She also translates her leadership ability from the hockey court to the betterment of the school in general. Devora served as one of our student council officers and she can often be found in the middle of the action, be it a kumzitz, school spirit program or chesed opportunity. When our student athletes are also star students, it enhances every aspect of the school community. Devora is one of those rare students who can do it all. Congrats to Devora on this well-deserved honor!”
Devora, mazel tov on your graduation and on a terrific hockey career at Yavneh Academy. I know firsthand that you have many wonderful influences in your life, but if you had to select one, who would you say is your role model?
My sister, because she also played hockey and her high school team was undefeated for four years in a row while she was the goalie and she didn’t let the pressure ruin the way she played.
What are your favorite sports?
Hockey, softball, and gymnastics.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Being part of this year’s Yavneh hockey team—we won the championships and we were undefeated.
Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
Aly Raisman, because she is an amazing olympic gymnast who performed at the Olympics to Jewish music, not being afraid of what other people would think. She has great sportsmanship. When she got the silver medal in the all around final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, she was incredibly happy for her best friend, Simone Biles, who won the gold. Aly said she was so happy to come second place to the best gymnast in the world.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
I don’t really have a pregame routine, I usually just listen to music and warm up with my whole team.
What is your earliest sport memory?
Winning the TBO championship in second grade when a girl on my team made the most amazing catch on what would have been a home run hit.
What is the weirdest sports related thing that ever happened to you?
In fifth grade I was performing my floor routine at one of my gymnastics meets. In the middle of my routine, the music shut off. I didn’t know what to do because that had never happened before. I stood there, and then the music continued, but then it stopped again. That kept happening throughout my routine. After, they let me do it again and I scored a 9.4 and got first place!
What is your favorite sports memory?
I have two: When my Yavneh team was down 2-0 to Kushner in the semifinals, but made a big comeback and won. Also when I was competing at the New Jersey State Gymnastics Championships in May.
What do you like to do when you are not competing?
Relax with my friends and go shopping.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
It feels very rewarding to accomplish a lot in something I really enjoy.
The Jewish Link of New Jersey 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 of New Jersey and Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected]
