The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 18-year-old Gabby Cohen as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The recent graduate of SAR High School, completed an impressive high school softball career with an MYHSAL championship last month. SAR coach Valerie Gryzlo told the JLNJ that Cohen was a pleasure to coach and that she was a team leader, helping to motivate her peers. When she was at bat or made a play in the field, the girls would all chant “She’s our senior” (because she was the only senior on the squad).
Gabby, congratulations on your graduation and the MYHSAL championship. Who would you say is your role model and why?
My parents for coaching me since first grade and more importantly for teaching me the value of playing on a team and good sportsmanship.
What is your favorite sport?
Baseball/softball.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Winning the championship this year.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
I admire Derek Jeter not only for his five World Series wins but because he had an incredible work ethic and was a great captain who everyone respected. “There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.”
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
Listening to “300 Violin Orchestra” by Jorge Quintero while I clean off my cleats.
What is your earliest sport memory?
When I was around 7, I was sitting in the 200’s section of the old Yankee stadium and Melky Cabrera hit a foul ball into my section and it grazed the top of my butterfly covered, pink Yankees cap.
What is the weirdest sports memory?
I was actually on the varsity hockey team in ninth grade. I didn’t really play much, but one game they put me in during the third period right after the goalies switched sides. I didn’t realize the switch happened so when I got the ball I hit it in the wrong direction, towards our goalie. Needless to say, I was taken out pretty quickly after that.
What is your favorite sports memory?
I went to a Yankee game with my grandparents and before the game we had a behind the scenes tour of the stadium. At the end of the tour it started to rain, our guide let us wait out the game delay in the Yankee dugout. That was probably one of the coolest moments of my life.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing is being part of a team. I have been on softball, swim and hockey teams and the best part has always been learning to work together and support each other. If I’m not playing, I am cheering my heart out. I want to thank my teammates for an incredible season, championship, for always picking each other up and having each other’s backs. I also want to thank my coaches for always supporting me through the last four years.
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at The Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
