Lakewood Ranch soccer player selected to 'Jewish Olympics'

Lakewood Ranch-area soccer player Sky Commissar is just 14 years old, but she has already figured out how to keep herself poised on the pitch. 

Commissar writes motivational messages to herself on tape she wears on her wrist, with phrases like "Just play for yourself," or "Remember who you’re playing for." 

Soon, Commissar hopes to send a message on one of the sport’s biggest stages. 

Commissar, who was born in London, was selected to play for the U16 Great Britain Girls Soccer team in the Maccabiah Games in Israel from July 1-22. 

Referred to as the ‘Jewish Olympics,’ the Maccabiah Games feature Jewish athletes from around the world competing in 42 events once every four years in Israel.

For Commissar, this is an opportunity to showcase her skills as she chases big dreams.

She tried ballet, dance and flag football at a young age, but none of them resonated with her in the way soccer did to the delight of her father, Rob Commissar.

The two have turned soccer into an opportunity to bond and travel, from rooting on Arsenal F.C. at home to daily practices and matches on the weekend with Florida Premier FC in the Elite Clubs National League Regional League. 

“We’re together a lot because of soccer, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world,” Rob Commissar said. 

Commissar already has her future in soccer mapped out in her mind. 

Photo by Vinnie Portell

That starts with competing for Lakewood Ranch High School, then Florida State University, and hopefully, one day representing the United States or England as an adult.

Playing in the Maccabiah Games will give her a taste of worldwide competition, and could give her a chance to earn new opportunities, even though she will be playing at a disadvantage. 

Commissar, who plays left wing, will be playing with and against several girls older than her and with different styles of play in the U16 division of the Maccabiah Games after recently turning 14 years old, but that is a necessary step to her development. 

“This is very important, and I think it’s crucial,” said Florida Premier Director of Development Georgi Hristov, who played professional soccer in Europe and for the Tampa Bay Rowdies. “At one point it needs to happen, otherwise it’s very hard, because how else do you compare yourself to the rest? Going outside the country and seeing different cultures is very important, especially for kids in this country. Kids outside of the country mature very early in terms of understanding the game and competition. It’s vital for the growth of a player.”

It’s not as if playing the game is the only aspect Commissar has to consider when it comes to the Maccabiah Games.

What some may see as roadblocks, Commissar sees as obstacles to overcome to separate herself. 

Ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine are something Rob Commissar has thought over, but ultimately decided to put his faith in the organizers of the games. 

There were financial aspects to mull over as well. 

Rob said the trip will cost the family about $8,000, which has been aided by a GoFundMe account he put together. That doesn’t include Rob’s travel costs, but he said nothing will stop him from being there.

“From a financial point of view, it’s just for me to fly over there and stay there, which you know, I’d sell a kidney if I have to. I’d do whatever I have to do to see her play,” he said.

Sky is currently in London training with the U16 Great Britain Girls Soccer team for the month ahead of the Maccabiah Games, preparing for the next step in her soccer career. 

“I think the main thing that comes out of this experience is meeting new people and exploring different countries and being able to see their culture, and the Jewish culture itself,” she said. “Even though I am Jewish, I want to learn more about it and see how that can contribute to playing, whether that’s emotions or behavior on the field.”