The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Aya East as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The ninth Grader at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School is an RKYHS track star and also an outstanding soccer player on the championship game bound RKYHS Cobras JV soccer team.

RKYHS Track coach Yank Poleyeff told The Jewish Link, “Aya is a terrific runner and even better teammate. I’m amazed by how knowledgeable she is about the sport. She can lead training sessions as well as she performs in them. It might say freshman on her school records but that’s the only thing that would lead you to believe she’s one. As a coach I’m grateful to be able to have her on my team the next three years. I’m looking forward to seeing what she can accomplish in that time.”

RKYHS Athletic Director Rabbi Richard Kirsch added, “Aya not only excels on the track team, but it’s also her outstanding character and attitude which is so impressive. Her humility and positive mindset is what really stands out, as she always looks for the best in others.”

Aya, congrats on a great season! Who is your role model and why?

My role model is my dad, he works so incredibly hard for me and my siblings and always has a smile on his face. He also turned me onto fitness and a healthy lifestyle. We work out and go on runs together which are a huge highlight to me.

What is your favorite sport?

My favorite sport is soccer. I love the adrenaline that comes during a game and especially when you get the ball and know that it’s going right into the net.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

My greatest sports accomplishment is placing second with my Randolph track team in the Lakeland league track relay.

What is your pregame routine?

My pregame routine is simple, to stretch as much as possible and then blast music to help dull the nerves and get the team excited for the game.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

My favorite athlete is Simone Biles. She is strong both physically and mentally. She is one of the few athletes that knows her limits.

What is your earliest sports memory?

My earliest sports memory has always been outrunning my classmates in gym class, probably ever since second grade.

What is your favorite sports memory?

My favorite sports memory was watching the Israeli baseball team play in New York. Also having the opportunity to play soccer at Red Bull stadium was an amazing experience.

What is your weirdest sports memory?

My weirdest sports memory is probably when my teammates shot the ball and I happened to be a foot in front of her. I’m not really sure what happened after that…

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

When I’m not playing sports, I’m working on my art. My best mediums to work in are graphite and charcoal.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

The best part of being a Sportstar is hard to say as I never really considered myself as a Sportstar until this nomination, but I love being on a team and interacting with athletes in other grades and schools.

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].