Meet the Macs looks to give YU fans a glimpse into the life of our student-athletes and staff here at Yeshiva Athletics, sitting down with them and asking about their experiences as a Maccabee. In this, the inaugural edition, we had the chance to interview twin sisters Ashley and Zoey Botnick. Zoey is a member of the women's volleyball team, while Ashley is a member of the women's volleyball, women's soccer and softball teams. Ashley's responses will be marked with an "A," while Zoey's will be headed with a "Z."
Can you introduce yourselves?
A: Hi! My name is Ashley Botnick, I'm a senior at the Syms School of Business majoring in finance with a minor in business analytics.
Z: I'm Zoey Botnick, a senior at Stern College Yeshiva University majoring in art with a focus in architecture. I'm from LA, and took a gap year at Midreshet Moriah before coming to YU.
Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?
Z: Growing up in LA I went to Maimonides where I started playing volleyball in 7th grade and I've played throughout High School in Shalhevet and now in college for my three years.
A: I grew up in Los Angeles, went to Maimonides for middle school, and then attended Shalhevet High School. Before coming to New York I took a Gap Year in Israel. I went to Israel XP, a program where we travel around Israel as well as take classes through Bar Ilan University. In terms of sports, I have always been actively involved and interested in being active and love being a part of a team. In middle school I played on both the volleyball and basketball teams. Then in high school, I continued playing on the volleyball team for all 4 years as well as the soccer team. Being named captain for both teams during my senior year.
What Brought you from LA to Yeshiva? What was the adjustment like from living in California to living in NYC? Did experiencing it all alongside your twin sister help?
A: I think the idea of being in a strong Jewish environment as well as somewhere where I could continue to be involved in sports really excited me and is what made Yeshiva University the right place for me. Upon graduating from Shalhevet High School I knew I was going to take a gap year in Israel and believed that in addition to my Gap Year going to Yeshiva University also made sense considering I would be receiving credit. I think there was a little bit of a sense of an adjustment just because both Los Angeles and New York are big cities that are different in many ways. But overall I believe that being able to come in and have preseason for volleyball and soccer really allowed for this transition to be more seamless. Additionally, coming in with my twin sister and having family in New York was a real benefit. I do believe that New York City has so much to offer and we are so lucky to be able to take advantage of all that the city has to offer.
Z: I wanted to be part of a College that respected my Jewish beliefs and what better place than Yeshiva University? The change was a bit of adjustment from the weather and the idea of not just hopping into cars for transportation. But I've been loving the feeling of being in the heart of NYC where a lot of my cousins and aunts and uncles live. Definitely having family is a huge benefit when going somewhere new so I couldn't have made the transition without Ashley. Since Junior year Ashley and I have lived together in off campus housing and it's been the best decision. It's like our home away from home since it's just us two.
What has it been like representing the Macs out on the field/court? How has being a student-athlete shaped your YU experience?
Z: Being a student athlete was a major reason why I came to YU. No other place would I be able to keep playing volleyball, a sport I love so much. I love being able to represent YU on and off the court. Everytime we step foot on the court, win or lose we play with such passion and joy that I hope the other teams notice. The way you bond with your teammates you become a family and I think that's a unique thing here at YU. The idea of being friends with girls in different grades and different backgrounds religiously but playing as one unit creates the strong bond we have for each other.
A: One of the biggest compliments that I have gotten from playing on a YU team was from a referee. He came up to our team after the game and said I love your team's smiles and the sportsmanship that you guys display for yourselves and toward the other team. I think that this compliment truly embodies the attitude that is embedded in every student-athlete at YU. Not only are we reflecting the school we play for but as soon as we step out on the court/field we are representing the Jewish people. I take this as a responsibility that I need to uphold all the time. I think this is such a unique situation that we are given and we should all be taking full advantage.
Ashley - speak to the experience of being a three-sport athlete. How has being a member of three teams informed your time here at YU athletics?
A: I truly love being on the volleyball, soccer, and softball teams. I think that a big thing for me is being a student-athlete at YU. My experience would be so different if I was not involved in all three of these sports. I will say that sometimes it is not easy and that there is a level of commitment that needs to be upheld. But I also believe that playing a team sport really taught me some valuable lessons. Time management is a huge lesson I have been able to learn and something I would say I have become very successful at. At first, balancing schoolwork alongside all the responsibilities that must be done to play on a team can be challenging but it is doable. Now, when I am not in season I feel like I have so much free time, which ironically makes me procrastinate more. Additionally, each sport and team dynamic is so different from each other but that aspect also makes each team so much fun! I think that the friendships and relationships that get built through playing on a team together are something that can not easily be replicated. As teammates whether we win or lose we all have the same goal in mind.
Zoey - speak to your time spent in SAAC leadership. How has serving as co-president affected your outlook on YU athletics?
Z: Being able to be part of SAAC for all three years of my college experience has given me a broader perspective on sports in college. There is so much more that goes into it besides the playing aspect and I love to be able to help behind the scenes. Being a part of the conferences and hearing from other schools can help better ours and it is truly a privilege to be given the opportunity. Additionally I love how I can help shape the athletics department here at YU for me and for all the athletes. I believe that being a voice for the student body is very important in creating the best dynamic between faculty and students.
What's it like playing on the volleyball team together? Who's the better player?
Z: I've played with Ashley since 8th grade and it's been super fun! The idea of having a player on my team that knows me so well and that I know so well is a great asset. We are able to bounce plays off each other which is perfect in a team sport like volleyball. I do not think there is a better player between the two of us. I think that both her and my skills are needed on the team! We play different positions which cannot be compared, and each position is needed for the play to be successful especially since it's a three touch sport.
A: I truly believe that being able to play on a sports team with a sibling, especially a twin sister, is a unique gift and experience. We are able to use this to our advantage on and off the court. I do believe that we both have a competitive spirit, but in volleyball, since we play two different positions, this actually has proven to be an advantage. Zoey is a setter and I mainly play outside hitter/libero. We are both always cheering each other on and in order to make a nice play typically all these positions are utilized. Additionally, being able to be each other's cheerleader as well as a critic is something that only drives us to play at our best every game. Win or lose, being able to talk it over with Zoey after the game is always a highlight. Whether it is rewatching the game or prepping for the next one by watching film on the other team, we do it together which makes it that much more fun! Additionally, being co-captains of the volleyball team this year, we both understand the responsibilities that come with the title and take on any issue that may arise together.
As seniors, what have the last four years been like? Any advice for incoming YU student-athletes?
A: I truly mean this when I say that my experience at YU would have been so different if it wasn't for being on all three of these sports teams. My main advice for anyone who is considering playing would be to just go for it and go in with a positive attitude. There are times when your week might feel hectic but I am telling you that playing on a team is a great outlet. Also the friendships that get made are literally friendships that will last a lifetime. You are able to connect and learn from girls from all different grades and backgrounds.
Z: These years playing on the team has been something I treasure forever. I've definitely made lifelong friendships with every single one of the girls and can't wait to show some support to the team next year as a fan! For all incoming students who are interested in sports, do not be afraid to take the jump and join the team. I promise you it will make your YU experience even better! So even though there is all that paperwork to get cleared, I am telling you it is worth it!
