The Irvington Varsity Badminton Team wrapped up the season with an impressive 10 wins out of 13 games. Finishing second in the league, the team demonstrated clear growth in both skill and team spirit compared to last year.
This season also deepened the team’s dynamics, building a stronger foundation on mutual support. “I was a lot more outgoing this year because I got to interact with everyone,” said Varsity player Sabrina Chan Fung (10). “I got closer with the seniors, and I spent more time with them. I’m sad that they’re leaving.”
Throughout the year, Varsity Coach Justin Choi and Junior Varsity Coach Steve Strout supported players with helpful feedback and a focus on correcting mistakes. The training captains helped develop improvement through physical training and drills. Notably, many experienced players stepped up to mentor new teammates, unlike the previous year, where players mostly stayed in friend groups.
In previous seasons, attendance has been a challenge due to other commitments. This year, practice has become mandatory to attend from Monday to Thursday. “It’s a step up from our behavior last year,” said Team Captain Brenna Cai (12). “With the new rule, attendance was a lot more consistent, and it made a difference.”
Despite the occasional absence of players, the team maintained strong performances, even securing wins in intense matches against rival schools like American and Mission. One particularly close game against American High ended with a thrilling 9-8 victory. “We play 17 matches total, and when it’s 8-8, especially with the final match coming up, everyone is crowded around the court cheering,” said Training Captain Vaughn Zhao (10). “It really showed that each team had a really strong bond.” This year, players who had finished their own matches were required to stay until the end of the game. “There’s just a lot more energy in games and training this season,” Zhao added. “It really brings more meaning to the sport of badminton.”
As the seniors step down from their influential roles, the team looks forward to continuing and improving every season with dedication and enthusiasm. “Every year we have a lot of people trying out, so we’ll get a whole range of skill levels,” Coach Choi stated. “I’m excited to see if anyone stands out.”
Cai left the team with a final message before graduation: “I’m proud of our team environment, team spirit, and how we’ve bonded. Keep going to practice and keep the Irvington badminton legacy alive!”
