The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Yakir Goldberg as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The fifth grader at the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey was born in Los Angeles, California, but has recently brought his skills to the East Coast. Yakir is a multisport star: recording seven strikeouts in a tight BBO game and, on the same day, sinking a contested three at MGBL. Last season, he was a lockdown defender for the BCFL 4/5 Raiders with nine sacks. When asked about Yakir, Rebbetzin Michal Goldberg told The Jewish Link, “He is a kind, hardworking boy who is always looking for ways to improve on and off the court.” RYNJ’s Dovid Engel added “If you were to ask me about my most dependable, disciplined and overall helpful students of all time, Yakir Goldberg has to be in the discussion. I have not seen too much of him on the ball field or court but if he’s anything like he is in the classroom, I can see him as being the consummate team player and captain.”
Yakir, congratulations on being recognized as this week’s sportstar of the week. Who are your role models and why?
My uncles who were all TABC hockey stars and who encourage me to be the athlete I can be.
What is your favorite sport?
Basketball, because of the intensity of the game. I love running up and down the court, dribbling the ball seeing if anyone is open to pass the ball to, or if I should pull up.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Scoring a deep 3-pointer in MGBL against a really tough team.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Giannis Antetokounmpo, because he is really good in the paint by dunking, and is funny in his interviews.
What is your pregame routine?
Shooting some shots, layups and stretching.
What is your earliest sports memory?
Going to a Yankee game with my dad, and they won!
What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you while playing ball?
When I was playing baseball with my friend in his backyard, I ended up getting stitches between my toes and having to be on crutches for a few weeks.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Going to a Clippers game in Los Angeles over winter break, where Terrance Mann scored a half court buzzer beater, and won the game.
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
I love to hang out with my friends, learn Mishna with my dad and go bike riding.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Getting to share my passion for sports with all my friends and family.
The Humble Toast Star of the week will receive a $25 gift card to The Humble Toast. Please send nominees for an upcoming The Humble Toast Jewish Link Stars of the Week to [email protected].
