By Jewish Link Sports Desk
The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Talia Fried as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The sixth grader at The Moriah School, had a dominant week at Hustle & Heart this summer earning her the coveted Hustle & Heart Award. When asked about Fried, Hustle & Heart Director Shana Steinmetz told The Jewish Link, “Talia is the best one on the court but she doesn’t make anyone else feel bad that she is better then them. Everyone on her team wants her to have the ball and everyone on the other team doesn’t feel bad after she scores the winning basket against them because she is just so sweet to everyone. She has so much talent that she makes it look effortless. She also is a real team player by making sure the ball is being passed evenly to everyone.”
Talia, congratulations on taking home the Hustle & Heart Award this summer. Who is your role model and why?
My parents because they inspire me to try hard and to never give up. Even though my dad is very busy, he always finds a way to come to every one of my games and practices. He is my team’s biggest fan! My mom is a loyal runner and has taught me about dedication and hard work.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is basketball because I like playing with a team. The girls on my CMEK team are some of my best friends and we’ve been playing together since we were very young. Through basketball, I’ve even made close friends from other schools.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
When I won the Hustle & Heart Award at Hustle & Heart Basketball Camp this summer. I also won the 5-3-1 competition and my team won the league championship game.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Kobe Bryant because he encouraged girls to play basketball.
What is your pregame routine?
I make sure to get a good night’s sleep. My dad doesn’t like when I have sleepovers the night before a game. My teammates and I warm up with layup lines right before a game.
What is your earliest sports memory?
I started playing for CMEK when I was 7. My coach Chad taught me from a young age to be a winner and to never settle for second place.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
Practicing basketball at the beginning of the pandemic. My coaches were very creative and found safe ways for us to practice outdoors and to run drills while maintaining “social distance.” My sister and I even participated in a Zoom Free Throw Competition run by Bergen Broncos and Hustle & Heart.
What is your favorite sports memory?
When my CMEK team won the Hoop Heaven League Championship in 2019. It was a close game but we pulled off the win at the last second.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
I like hanging out with my friends and family and bike riding with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I have been practicing since I was in second grade and it’s a good feeling to be recognized for my hard work. It’s also fun to have my picture in the newspaper!
The Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week will receive a 5% discount on their next order @Drink Up, order with https://bit.ly/321HONC or message Steve Gutlove 201 578 7425. Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
