The Jewish Link of New Jersey and The RAIN on Water Event Space would like to recognize 18-year-old Liana Weinberger as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The senior at Salanter Akiba High School (SAR) steered the Sting varsity volleyball team to a convincing win at Hillel, with nine straight serves.
Liana, congratulations another great season. Who is your role model and why?
One of my role models is my uncle Bernie, z”l. He was an avid cyclist, always participating in races for various organizations, was an active member of his community and loved spending time with his family and friends.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is probably floor hockey. I love the fast pace of the sport, and love how the whole trajectory of the game can change in seconds. There’s no better feeling than being on the “ice” when your team scores a goal.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I can’t remember it perfectly, but I remember one hockey game in sophomore year that went into triple overtime. It had been such an exhausting game, and the tension between the two teams had gotten higher and higher as the game continued. After a minute or two of the third overtime, I scored the game winner. It was so invigorating, especially after such an intense game.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is Coco Gauff. It’s so fun to watch her play, and it’s amazing how much she’s accomplished in such a short amount of time.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
I rarely talk to anyone right before a game. I usually listen to really fast-paced music.
What is your earliest sports memory?
I remember playing soccer in a local league when I was super young, and honestly I was pretty bad.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
During a volleyball game, a member of the opposing team would screech at the top of her lungs whenever her team got a point. We had no idea what to do with ourselves.
What is your favorite sports memory?
One of my favorite memories was during a recent volleyball game, I dove for a ball and it hit my teammate (Esther Eisenstat) right in the face, but it went over the net and we actually ended up getting the point because of it. She had a red mark on her face for the rest of that set and I couldn’t stop laughing every time I looked at her.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
I love playing piano. I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old and still enjoy it today.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The clout. Jokes, I wouldn’t really call myself a sportstar. But I love being part of a team.
The RAIN on Water Event Space Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to any Teaneck Restaurant of their choice. Please contact RAIN at 201.817.8100 to receive certificate. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and RAIN on Water Event Space Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
