The Hoffman High School badminton team has come a long way since the beginning of the school year. Their hard work throughout the season paid off; they were able to pull through and win their sectional tournament and secure a visit to the state tournament. The team began the season prepping for its successes.
“We begin with teaching and reviewing fundamentals and revisiting our knowledge and skills of the game. As the season progresses, we work harder on our footwork, high-intensity drills, match intensity and strategic play, and mental training,” said Naz Ahmed, coach and English teacher.
No matter how their conference tournament went, winning their sectional competition as a team is a huge accomplishment. At times, badminton can be seen as an individual or small group sport, but the HEHS badminton team was able to come together as a big group and not only qualify but also win the competition.
“One of their biggest achievements this year was being awarded the ‘Sue Hinrichsen Team Sportsmanship Award,’” said Ahmed. “This award is specifically given to a team that demonstrates consistent sportsmanship with their teammates and their opponents throughout the season and speaks to our girls’ teamwork together and the character they bring to the court.”
The badminton state qualifiers were Alisa Hilaly, the singles champion at sectionals; Michelle Lin and Bhavya Muthu, the doubles champions at sectionals; and Nithya Mahesh and Neha Kaduskar, taking third place in doubles at sectionals.
As the pressure rose, the HEHS badminton athletes were ready to rise to the challenge and put in their best effort.
“Yes, there’s a level of pressure on our state qualifiers as they prepare to play at a level with higher stakes, increased expectations, and a highly competitive environment,” said Ahmed. “However, despite the increased pressure, our athletes are passionate and excited for the opportunity to represent their team and their school at the state finals.”
The badminton team found success at their conference competition, with Lin and Muthu winning 2 of the matches they played and Hilaly winning 3 of the matches she played.
The HEHS badminton team has put in so much effort over the course of their season to make it as far as possible, and they are excited to see how the season will end.
