The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 13-year-old Hannah Koppel as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The recent Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy graduate played for the basketball team and was a key contributor on the YMSSA champion soccer team. A member of the JKHA athletic department told the JLNJ “ She is an energetic friendly student who balances both sports and academics well. She participates in STEM clubs as well as out-of-school soccer. She is a pleasure to coach and a good team player. “
Hannah, congratulations on the YMSSA championship, we look forward to much more nachas from you on and off the court at RKYHS over the next four years. Who would you say is your role model and why?
My parents. They are my biggest fans and always encourage me to play my best. And they are always willing to make sure I get to all of my sports activities.
As a two-sport athlete, which is your favorite sport?
Soccer.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Being part of an amazing middle school girls soccer team and winning Kushner’s first-ever YMSSA girls soccer championship. We all worked really hard during the season and we were all so excited. It was great to share that with my teammates and coaches.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Alex Morgan, because she is a great soccer player who is an Olympic gold medalist and a member of the Women’s Soccer World Cup championship team. And though she is a great soccer player, academics was also very important to her.
What is your pregame routine?
Drink water, jog and stretch.
What is your earliest sports memory?
I have always been a sports fan. My parents told me that my first word was “football.” I guess now I know it was “futball.” Maybe I should have said soccer instead.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Getting to escort the Red Bulls out onto the field before one of their matches. It was amazing to meet the professional players, walk on the field and look out at the cheering crowd.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Hanging out with friends and teammates, watching TV and shopping.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
As a Sportstar, I am able to highlight my entire JKHA middle school soccer team. I also get to publicly acknowledge my amazing teammates, our excellent coaches and especially the fans for cheering us on throughout the season.
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
By JLNJ Sports Desk
