The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 12-year-old Kira Hoffer as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The sixth grader at Bruriah Middle School became a household name appearing on American Ninja Warrior Jr. last month. Not only did she compete, winning her first race and losing the second (completing the course and hit the buzzer both times), she made a tremendous kiddush Hashem, competing in a skirt and not being mechalel Shabbos in the process.
Kira, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. Who are your role models and why?
My parents because they taught me everything I know.
What are your favorite sports?
Ninja warrior and basketball.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Competing on American Ninja Warrior Junior.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Jesse LaBreck (one of the top female ninja warriors) because she shows how strong a girl can be while also caring for others. (She takes care of a developmentally disabled girl.)
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
Stretch and breathe
What is your earliest sport memory?
Watching the Harlem globetrotters.
What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you while playing sports?
At my first basketball game playing for the Bruriah Middle School team, I was wearing contacts for the first time and lost a contact lens.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Sitting in the first row behind the players at a Rangers hockey game.
What do you like to do when you are not competing?
Well, when I’m not in Camp Moshava where I love spending the summer, I like to hang out with my friends, bike ride and do tricks with my diablo (Chinese yo-yo).
What is the best thing about best thing about being a Sportstar?
Having a chance to inspire other kids who want to try something different and new.
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].
By JLNJ Sports Desk
