The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Tehila and Maayan Teitelman as this week’s Sportstars of the Week.  The 11-year old sixth graders at Yeshivat Noam were key contributors to their MGBL Basketball and TBO Softball championship teams. Howie Teitelman, their father and coach for rec sports, was contacted but was not immediately available for comment since he was busy ubering his kids to practices. Avi Weisberg, the twins’ coach for softball shared the following: “I’ve had the privilege to coach three of the Teitelman girls and I love their competitive nature, but I admire the way they encourage their teammates. As ace pitchers, Tehila and Maayan took us through the playoffs, capping the season with a shut-out victory in the championship game.” The twins’ gym teacher and basketball coach at Yeshivat Noam Leora Sulimanoff (aka Coach S) echoed a similar sentiment: “Tehila and Maayan are a strong combo on the court. Their play compliments each other and makes them a threat in all aspects of the game. They can shoot, dribble, drive and they are terrific defenders as well. Most importantly, they do not rest on their laurels. Tehila and Maayan constantly strive to be better, putting time and effort into their skills which pays off in tight game situations. And, they both demonstrate great midot on and off the court which makes them a pleasure to coach.” Teammate Tamar Frazer added “They are excellent, supportive teammates with amazing midos and athletic talent. They are really hard working at every aspect of the game, whether it’s a big or small play. They aren’t looking for the limelight. They always get the pulse of the game and bring out the best in their whole team. They play really well even when under a lot of pressure and pair so well with each other.”

Tehilla and Maayan mazel tov on the recent MGBL and TBO championships and for being recognized as this week’s Sportstars of the week. Who are your role models and why?

It would have to be our uncle who played in the NBA. OK, we made that up. It just sounded more exciting than saying, ‘our parents because they come to all our games.’

What is your favorite sport?

We enjoy basketball, softball and tennis. Not sure if we were supposed to name more than one, but as twins, we figured we were allowed at least two.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Tehila: Being co-MVPs for MGBL this year.

Maayan:  We could mention other awards, but we don’t want to brag since this is the *Humble* Toast award.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Tehila: Jose Altuve. Although he is one of the shortest in the MLB, he is an amazing baseball player.

Maayan: Lebron James because he had a great career and he speaks out against antisemitism.

What is your pregame routine?

Tehila: My pregame routine is getting a ride there, because it is hard to play from home.

Maayan:  For basketball, it would be shooting layups on both sides, and for baseball, I like pitching 10 strikes.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Tehila: Going to a baseball game in Wyckoff, New Jersey and thinking it was a Major League game. We couldn’t understand why our family was the only people in the bleachers.

Maayan: My mom and older brother are big Yankee fans, so I vaguely remember listening to MLB games in utero.

What is your funniest sports memory?

Tehila:  Kicking around the soccer ball with our dog, Ace, and realizing that he is by far the fastest member of the family.

Maayan:  Playing softball in the basement and making a big dent in the wall. Let’s hope our parents don’t read this article.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Tehila: Winning the TBO championship with my teammates.

Maayan: Winning the MGBL championship with my teammates.

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

Tehila:  Finding new games on my iPad. I mean, doing my school work.

Maayan: Hanging out with family, friends or, my dog, Ace.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

Tehila: Getting the chance to give a shoutout to all our teammates from over the years.

Maayan: And, of course, the gift card to The Humble Toast. Maybe, as twins, we can get our parents to take us out for two family celebratory dinners.

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].