The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Nava Forman as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Forman is a senior at Ma’ayanot, and will be an impact player for the Rapids soccer team this spring. Ma’ayanot Rapids occer coach Marc Zharnest The Jewish Link, “ Nava is a hard worker, a leader and someone who we are looking forward to having a breakout year as she returns to play for her indoor season. As we look to build upon the success of previous teams, Nava embodies everything a Ma’ayanot Rapid stands for and we are very excited to watch her help lead us back into the playoffs and hopefully championship contention.”
Nava, congrats on being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Who is your role model and why?
My role models are my parents. They are so passionate about everything that they do, and they push me to be passionate about everything I do, too. I love them so much!
What is your favorite sport?
This is a really hard one. I discovered volleyball in high school, and I absolutely love the sport. On the other hand, I’ve been playing soccer basically my entire life, and it’s such a huge part of who I am. I can’t choose!
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Ryan McDonough, because he’s the reason I’m #27!
What is your pregame routine?
When I get to the game, I like to hype the team up. Before every outdoor soccer game this year, I would shout “Give me a whoop!” and the team would proceed to “whoop” very enthusiastically.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Once, I got a concussion from a soccer game and had to take a break from sports so that I wouldn’t get reinjured. Although I couldn’t play, I went to my team’s next soccer game to cheer on and support the team. About halfway through the game, a ball came flying into the bleachers and out of everyone there, smacked right into my head. I’m still impressed with myself as to how I managed that.
What is your earliest sports memory?
In one of my very first years of playing soccer, I was on defense. The ball and the rest of both teams were all on the other side of the field. Since I wasn’t getting any action, I decided to follow a leaf that was blowing in the wind. I ended up chasing it off the field and completely abandoning the game. At least the leaf was pretty.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
One time, when I was younger and played hockey, I was one of four Formans (one of them my sister) all on the court at the same time.
What is your favorite sports memory?
I’m going to combine two—playing outdoor soccer at Metlife Stadium in 10th grade and then at Redbull Arena in 12th grade. It was incredible playing on the same fields that professional athletes play on every day.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Lots of things, but I have to say my favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends, including going to watch my friends play sports I don’t! I might even go so far as to call myself the Ma’ayanot softball team’s number one fan.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
A lot of my core childhood memories take place on the fields and courts in this community, so it’s really nice to be recognized as a Sportstar after all these years of playing here. I also get to take the opportunity to thank all my coaches and teammates who have pushed me to be a better person and player. I wouldn’t be where I am without each and every one of them!
Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
By Jewish Link Sports Desk
