The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 17 year old Sarah Lieberman as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Yeshivat Frisch senior was a key contributor for the Frisch varsity Lady Cougars championship team. When asked about Lieberman, Frisch Cougars coach Kristin Rainbolt told the JLNJ, “Sarah is one of the nicest and kindest kids I have ever coached. She would come to practice each week determined to get better and determined to walk away having improved on her game. A very coachable kid with a winning attitude. Overall, Sarah worked very hard to bounce back from hardly playing at all her junior year to starting and playing the entire game her senior year. She was also voted as one of the team captains. She will be missed very much!!”
Sarah, congratulations on a terrific senior year and the MYHSAL championship, that is more than “OK, fine.” If you had to chose, who is your role model and why?
My parents are my role models. They are always there for me and give me endless support, love and encouragement.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory was at my sports birthday party when I was 4, playing lineup.
What is your favorite sport?
Basketball is my favorite sport and has been forever.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest sports accomplishment was sophomore year when I was captain of my JV team. It was the JV finals and we were down in the second half when I went on a run and scored 12 points in one quarter. Winning a championship at the high school level was an incredible feeling.
What is your pregame routine?
My pregame routine includes listening to pump up music, stretching, practicing and then zoning in to the game and forgetting about everything else.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Lonzo Ball. Watching him play point guard and balance out his passes, three point shots and layups really shows me what it means to be a good guard.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite memory was this championship game because of the large number of fans and Frisch rabbis and administrators who came out to cheer us on. It was exhilarating hearing them chanting throughout the game and was a great way to end my HS career.
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
When I am not playing sports, I love to hang out with my friends.
What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you on the court?
My weirdest sports memory was in my first playoff game this season. We were winning in overtime and I got fouled and went to the line to shoot. The gym was silent and then a baby began crying. I started laughing hysterically (for those that know me, this should not be a surprise). I couldn’t stop laughing and took the two foul shots with tears coming out of my eyes but thankfully I made both!
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a Sportstar is that it focuses attention on girls basketball which has been a huge part of my life. I’d love to say thank you to the coaches who have supported and encouraged me along the way! Coach Kristin Rainbolt, Samantha Steinberg-Engelhardt, Leora Moskovitch and Debbie Coby.
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]. We are once again searching for Mothers Day sportstars, if your mother/daughter/sister or spouse is a Sportstar please reach out to us at [email protected] so we can recognize her.
