The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Ma’ayanot senior Ariella Vogel as this week’s Sportstar of the week. Ariella has been a star of the Rapids softball and basketball teams at Ma’ayanot High School. When asked about his captain, Ma’ayanot softball coach Yoni Lieber told the Jewish Link, “Ariella has been our starting pitcher for the last few seasons, as well as our captain. Not only is she a good athlete, as she has proven over and over again with her pitching and her power at batting, she is a great role model for the younger players, and is always ensuring the team is bonding and everyone feels included. She organized several team events, both after practices and games, so all of her teammates enjoy the team both on and off the field. She embodies the true spirit of Ma’ayanot and what a student athlete should be.”
Ariella, yasher koach on being recognized as Sportstar of the Week and the amazing legacy you are writing at Ma’ayanot. Who is your role model and why?
My coaches are my role models—including Ariela Herman, Yoni Leiber and Omer Ginzburski—who have taught me what it means to be a part of a team and have pushed me to continuously grow as an athlete.
What is your favorite sport?
Softball is my favorite sport because I am the pitcher and I love being involved in every play, and I am a leader on my team. I also love basketball because it’s so fun to play with my teammates.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Being the basketball MVP at the all star game and winning the basketball championships in eighth grade at Yeshivat Noam after losing to the same school the two years prior.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Scottie Pippen because even though he did not have the spotlight he was able to shine and was a super important part of the Bulls’ success. He showed that he understood the importance of not playing for yourself, but rather playing for your team. He showed what it means to be a great teammate.
What is your pregame routine?
I listen to music, warm up and try to visualize the game so when the game starts my nerves are calm since it feels as if I was already there.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memories include attending many Jets games with my family. I also remember watching my dad play and thinking that one day I would love to be as good as him. Starting from a young age my dad was my coach on my softball, basketball and soccer teams.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
When I was in Boston for a basketball tournament; It was the championship game and my team was losing by a lot. Instead of being sad about it we decided to have a dance party in the middle of the court during halftime while the live stream was on for everyone to see. It was a really great reminder to the whole team that we play the game because we love it and it is fun, and sometimes it’s not about winning, but the experiences that come with being part of a team.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Winning the championship every season of TBO and traveling to LA for a fun basketball tournament last season.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Seeing my picture in The Jewish Link.
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].
