The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Jordan Zaretsky as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The 14-year-old is a recent graduate of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County and is a multisport star. When asked about Jordan, Eitan Elias told The Jewish Link, “Jordan is a fantastic athlete. He works hard, no matter how hard it is. He plays for the Schechter Bergen eighth grade boys soccer team and plays in TBO. I am constantly seeing him practice some sport. He encourages me and others to keep working hard and helps people get better.”
Jordan, congrats 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 mom because she always finds a way to overcome every problem and obstacle that gets in the way and also because she can deal with every type of person.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is baseball because something new happens every game and there are tons of possibilities for every play, so it’s fun and challenging not knowing where the ball will be hit, if a play will be made, or if something wacky will happen.
What is your pregame routine?
My pregame routine is to have a catch with a teammate and to stretch my arms, legs, back and anything else that I feel needs to be stretched while I’m having a catch.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest sports accomplishment is winning the championship in my baseball league last year.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Derek Jeter because he respected everyone, he didn’t argue with what the umpires said, and because he was always kind in a world where it’s sometimes tough to stay calm and be kind towards everyone.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is when I slid into home for the first time. Even though I was tagged out, I was still proud of myself and overjoyed that I slid into home for the first time.
What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you while playing ball?
My weirdest sports memory is when I was playing right field and the ball was hit to me on the ground. I fell over but was still somehow able to get up and throw the runner out at first.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is scoring a run when I was 5 or 6 and thinking I had hit a home run.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
My favorite thing to do when I’m not playing sports is to hang out with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a Sportstar is being recognized for having fun.
Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to Sports@jewishlinknj.com.
By Jewish Link Sports Desk