The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Anna Margolin as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The recent graduate of Rae Kushner Yeshiva High school came into her own in soccer in an unconventional way, fighting hard when many external signs were not encouraging. When playing club soccer she was relegated to the B team. At first this was a source of frustration, but she channeled that into working harder and became the best player she could be. The effort paid off, making her a highly sought after player for the A team and key contributor on the undefeated MYHSAL girls soccer champion Kushner Cobras. Rabbi Richard Kirsch, athletic director at RKYHA, told The Jewish Link, “Anna has been a tremendous leader both on and off the soccer court/field. As a standout soccer player, the feeling was like ‘we have a second coach out there!’ She would also help mentor the younger players. Off the court, she made a big impact on students’ well-being. We will miss her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

Anna was not only a standout player in high school, she shared her work ethic and knowledge of the game with the Yeshivat He’Atid soccer team during her senior year. When asked about the experience Anna told The Jewish Link, “It was a surreal experience, especially when I was able to coach the He’Atid soccer team against Ben Porat Yosef. My world came full circle remembering how I had to get a number of signatures to establish the girls soccer team at BPY and fight for gym time. It is very rewarding watching the next generation of girls playing.” He’Atid co-coach Ari Wolf, shared “Anna was a pleasure to coach with. She brought her soccer knowledge and energy to each game and practice and really gave it her all. She was also a great role model for the girls.”

Anna, congrats on the championship, your graduation and being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week! Who is your role model and why?

My Meme (French for grandma) because she has gone through so much but never let it bring her down. She moved to two new countries over her life where she didn’t know the language and learned both languages. She then taught herself a number of skills and started her own store and family.

What is your favorite sport?

Soccer! I like how much running I do and I like the sense of family. It was my first outlet outside of school. It gave me a chance to be myself.

What is your pregame routine?

Listen to the song “Champions” by Kanye while driving to the game and visualizing the victory.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Winning the girls varsity soccer championship this year.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Alex Morgan because she is a mom and continues to play her heart out. She has always been my favorite soccer player because she has played through so many ups and downs. She is part of the reason I chose the number 13. I also chose it because it is considered an unlucky number to everyone else but is lucky to me.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Getting kicked in the face with a soccer ball in rec in first or second grade. After that I took a break from soccer and then went back two years later.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Getting to play at Red Bulls Stadium with my new team (Kushner) against my old team (Ma’ayanot).

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?

Hanging out with friends.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

I get to tell a bit of my story. I get to explain how I got there and how much work it took. I started three teams—BPY, Ma’ayanot outdoor, Kushner outdoor. I also coached He’Atid girls in their inaugural season. I had to play on three different outdoor club teams (outside of Yeshiva League) during high school because of Corona. I also tore my ACL and meniscus and had reconstructive surgery—which cost me three seasons—but I came back to win the championship undefeated.

The Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week will receive a 5% discount on their next order @Drink Up, order with https://forms.gle/k8cjADWpMne9bPed7 or message Steve Gutlove 201 578 7425. Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].

By Jewish Link Sports Desk