The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 18-year-old Olivia Lefkovits as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The recent graduate of the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School was a senior captain on the Kushner Cobras team that fell just short of a win in the MYHSAL girls hockey championship game. Lefkovits lead her team in points through the season with a five game goal scoring streak and seven game point scoring streak. When asked about Olivia, RKYHS coach Alex Fuchs told the JLNJ, “Liv is a tremendous team leader. She sets an example for her teammates by putting her all into every practice and game and is a true pleasure to have on the team.”
Olivia, congratulations on your graduation and another great season as a Cobra. If you had to select one person, who would you say is your role model and why?
My dad is my role model because throughout my life my dad has always taught me to persevere through all my challenges and always give 100% to anything that I am doing. My dad comes to all of my games and always cheers me on and seeing him in the stands inspires me to play better and work harder.
What is your greatest athletic accomplishment, so far?
My greatest sports accomplishment was at my championship game in eighth grade. It was the third period, a tied game and I got sick. I came back in the game with a minute and a half to go and persevered through the pain and scored the winning goal, securing the first ever championship for Kushner middle school girls hockey.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Stephen Curry is my favorite athlete because he works hard, stays late after practice and makes everyone on the court look better.
What is your pregame routine?
Before the game I listen to pump up music, stretch with my team and right before I get on the court my co-captain, Julia Morreale, gives me a pep talk to start the game.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory was trying to keep up and play sports with my older brothers, either at home, at birthday parties or on vacation.
What is the weirdest thing that happened to you while playing hockey?
My weirdest sports memory all started when I was a freshman and a great player by the name of Alex Fuchs checked me across the rink. Ironically, three years later she became our coach at Kushner and we always joke about that story.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a sport star is to be a good role model to my teammates and show them that hard work and hustle pays off.
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].
