The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Olivia Rinn as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The rising freshman at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, is coming off an amazing year of Hockey where her Kushner Cobras middle school hockey team handed Yeshivat Noam their first loss of the season and captured the YMSSA championship. Olivia was a standout shooting guard for the Kushner girls basketball team in the winter and leading goal scorer for both the girls soccer and girls hockey teams this spring. However she will be remembered most for her overtime goal that brought home the YMSSA girls hockey championship. When asked about Olivia, Kushner hockey coach Alex Fuchs told The Jewish Link, “Olivia is not only a terrific athlete, but an incredible leader as well. Her positive attitude and level of commitment are constant sources of inspiration for our team.”
Olivia, congrats on the championship! Mazel tov on your eighth grade graduation and for being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week! Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my friend Hailey Kops. Hailey had a goal in mind and worked hard to get there. She showed me that hard work always pays off and to never give up. There are many times after a game where I feel defeated, but watching Hailey over the past few years, and finally watching her skate at the 2022 Olympics, showed me that when you are passionate about something you should always keep trying.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is basketball, because I enjoy learning new skills and using them during games. I also have so much fun while playing.
What is your pregame routine?
My pregame routine is blasting music while shooting around and then leading a stretch circle for my team. Before I get on the court I always make sure to say שמע.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Alex Morgan. Ever since I was a little girl she has taught me to always play my best through the ups and downs. My number on all my jerseys is 13, which I chose because that is Alex’s number and it always reminds me to play hard and try my best.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is scoring the winning goal during overtime at the championship hockey game this year. My team worked so hard to get to play in the championship game and my team winning that game was a moment I’ll never forget.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is playing soccer at 4 years old. I would play Little Kickers every Sunday for the rec league in my neighborhood with my friends. I still love playing soccer.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
My weirdest sports memory was this year at a basketball game when I shot in the wrong basket. It will never happen again.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
When I am off the court I enjoy hanging out with my friends, working out and watching sports games.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a Sportstar is that I have the chance to inspire young female athletes like myself.
Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
By Jewish Link Sports Desk
