With the name “Yeshiva” stitched to the back of their jerseys, athletes at Yeshiva University know that how they present themselves is a reflection of the Jewish religion. They are expected to take the high road, to be the most sportsmanlike athletes on the field, regardless of how rough or unfair a game may be. They represent not only our school or our hometowns, but also our religion. To this extent they are very successful at meeting expectations.

This year, our teams have already taken home two sportsmanship awards. The men’s soccer team was awarded the Skyline Conference Team Sportsmanship Award after receiving just five yellow cards all season, while all other teams in the conference received at least double that.

In addition, the women’s soccer team received the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) New York Metro Area Sportsmanship Award. Though the Lady Macs played every minute of their eleven games with great fortitude, they were not penalized with even a single red or yellow card.

Receiving these awards is a reflection of the character of Yeshiva University’s athletes and coaching staff. Our athletes play with aggression moderated by integrity and an unwavering persistence.

They play not for themselves but for their teams, not for their reputations but for that of our religion. They play their hearts out the entire game, regardless of the score. They hustle off the field as a team, with smiles plastered to their faces. They conduct themselves maturely, regardless of how the other teams act.

That is what it means to be a Maccabee; that is what it means to wear “Yeshiva” on the back of their jerseys.

Congratulations to…

Congratulations to basketball’s Rebecca Yoshor for being named Hudson Valley Women’s Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week two weeks in a row.

Sports Quotes:

“People want to be on a team. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They want to be in a situation where they feel that they are doing something for the greater good.” – Mike Krzyzewski

“A winner is someone who recognizes his G-d-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” – Larry Bird

“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot … and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why … I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

“Being a good teammate is when you try to sprint down a ball that everyone thinks is going out of bounds. But you go after it anyways and you get it.” – Mia Hamm