The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize
Avigayil Shapiro, 17, as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The recent Ma’ayanot graduate had a terrific four years at Ma’ayanot. When she was a sophomore and junior, she was captain of the Ma’ayanot track team and won many ribbons for top three finishes. This past year in her fourth on the Ma’ayanot hockey team, she was appointed captain. Just before the season started, she fractured her foot during practice and was told that she might miss the whole season.
Even though she was not medically cleared to participate, Avigayil came to all practices and tried to help the team. As soon as Avigayil was cleared to play, she assisted on the game-winning goal in her first game back. In her second game, she one-timed the ball out of mid-air with three minutes left to win the game for the Rapids. Her brother Isaac told the JLNJ “Avigayil has been a great leader and I think she deserves to be Sports Star of the Week.”
Yasher Koach Avigayil on a great high school career and your recent graduation. Who would you like to recognize for your success?
“My parents – because they always encourage me to try my best and they are always honest with me about how I did in a game. No matter how far away the game is, they always make it there,” she said.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
“My favorite athlete is Matt Gilroy. Matt and his brother, Timmy, always played hockey together when they were younger. When Timmy was eight, he died suddenly, and Matt promised his mother to wear Timmy’s number, 97, from then on. Matt tried out for the Boston University Terriers as a walk-on (he did not receive a scholarship and was not drafted by an NHL team). The Terriers normally do not permit players to wear numbers higher than 35 but Boston University’s coach, Jack Parker, made an exception after hearing Matt’s reason for wearing such a high number. Matt went on to lead the Terriers to a national championship and eventually made the NHL where he wore his #97 for the Rangers. As a Rangers fan and BU fan (my parents met there), I have always been inspired by Matt Gilroy’s s story and I have chosen to wear #97 in his honor since my days on the SAR Sting Middle School hockey team.”
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
“Since I do not live close to Ma’ayanot, I enjoy going to teammates’ houses before home games. I am grateful to the Weider, Shafier and Barishansky families for opening up their homes to me over the years.”
What is your earliest sport memory?
“My earliest sports memory was when I scored my first goal for the SAR Academy Sting. It happened during the first game we ever won so it was a special night.”
What is your funniest sports memory?
“My funniest sports memory is shooting a basket in the wrong hoop (although it was not so funny at the time).”
What is your favorite sports memory?
“I have two favorite sports memories: The first was when I assisted on the winning goal in overtime for Camp Morasha in the Como League Championship. The second was when Ma’ayanot won the Yeshiva League championship when I was a sophomore. We worked very hard all season and it was a great feeling to achieve our goal. “
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
“When I am not playing sports you can find me hanging out with my friends or spinning at SoulCycle.”
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
“I read the Jewish Link every week so it is exciting to see myself in it (and bragging rights, of course!)”
The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for upcoming Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected]
