The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize sixteen-year-old Avigail Schiff as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Schiff, a Teaneck native, is the proud co-captain of the Bruriah junior varsity volleyball team. Susan Rifkin, the athletic director at Bruriah High School, told The JLNJ, “A popular sophomore, Avigail is the captain of team namely because of her commitment to the sport, improvement since freshman year and positive impact she has on the sport and her teammates. Though volleyball keeps her out two nights per week, she has been able to find a balance between success on the volleyball court and in the classroom.”
Avigail, yasher koach on being named co-captain and on a terrific sophomore season. Who are your role models, and why?
I look up to my parents as my role models because of their selflessness and their constant desire to help others. They make sure to come to all of my games and encourage me both on and off the court – their constant support helps me strive to become the best that I can be.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Following in the footsteps of my two older sisters, both of whom were captains of their respective volleyball teams, I was honored to be named co-captain of this year’s Bruriah JV volleyball team.
Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
Despite the negative press he gets here in New York and New Jersey, Tom Brady is both a leader and a winner. He is always very humble and modest during any press conference and is quick to emphasize his teammates and team work. This attribute is particularly impressive from someone with four Super Bowl rings, multiple MVP awards and the host of other NFL records. These lessons speak to me and anyone else who is a part of a team.
What is your pregame routine?
Before each game my team gets together to talk, encourage each other and shake off the nerves. Team tehillim doesn’t hurt either.
What is your earliest sport memory?
Sports are a big thing in my family. Some of my earliest sports memories include playing baseball with all my cousins and grandfather in my grandparent’s backyard.
What is the funniest thing to happen to you while playing?
A few weeks ago, my team was scheduled to play against a really hard team. The game was extremely close and our nerves were high as we watched the score waver back and forth. We were in the middle of a very intense volley when all of a sudden a girl from the other side of the court bumped the ball so hard that it went up to the ceiling… and didn’t come down. We all erupted in laughter as my coach ran to go save the ball. We calmed down a little bit and after retrieving the volleyball from the ceiling beams, we continued to play an amazing game.
What is your favorite sports memory?
During our first volleyball game of the season at Kushner, we were all extremely nervous. My nerves only increased when my coach told me that I was going to start off the game by serving. Overcoming my nerves I just followed my practice routine. I ended up serving/scoring the first eight points of the game.
What do you like to do when not playing sports?
When I’m not playing sports, my favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I practice really hard so it’s really cool to be recognized for my efforts.
The Jewish Link and Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for upcoming Gotham Burger Sportstars of the Week to [email protected].
