The Plainfield South badminton team reached the end of their regular season finishing with a conference record of 0-8.
Before sectionals, Homewood-Flossmoor High School invited South to play at their tournament. Though South didn’t win, the team felt as if they won due to how hard they tried.
Sectionals took place on May 2, 2019 where the team was hoping to advance to state, but just fell short.
Leading the team, Hannah Christie, English I and IIH teacher, has been coaching at South for eight years. She enjoys every season because each one is different, saying she looks forward to every new one.
“What I’ve loved about this season is the eagerness to learn and the bond our team has,” Christie said.
The players are dedicated when it comes to improving not only themselves, but their teammates as well. This season, support was a main component that revolved around the team.
“I would say we’re a pretty close team. We always watch our teammates’ matches to give them words of encouragement and support,” said Alexa Shutting, junior badminton player.
There are some standout players who have really impressed the coaches due to their overall performance and attitude.
“I’ve really been impressed with the singles work of Fatima Syeda,” said Christie. “She has had some memorable wins and can hang with just about any player in the state.”
Syeda is a sophomore on the team who has really stood out to the coaches and players. She went to sectionals along with 14 others and finished with a personal record of 23-19.
“Overall, this season was one to remember, especially with all the close bonds we’ve made with each other,” Syeda said.
A highlighted game of the season was against Lockport, Christie’s alma marter. Syeda achieved first place that day, making that game a special one.
“That match was one of the hardest matches I’ve had to play, and having my team motivating me the whole time helped me persevere,” Syeda said.
The girls enjoyed tournament days because they knew no matter the outcome, there would be just as much cheering.
“Whether we win or lose, the cheering at tournaments won’t stop. We’re all there for each other and that’s what makes the team,” said Livi Barr, sophomore badminton player.
There are many things the coaches and players are working on doing to improve the team’s overall performance for next season.
“Our goal is to keep a racquet in our hands as much as possible in the off season,” Christie said.
Most players join badminton with no experience, so practicing out of school is key to success for everybody.
“I’m going to make sure I practice as much as possible in the summer in order to make not only myself successful, but my team too,” Shutting said.
There are multiple ways the girls can get their playing time in before they check into next season.
“Over the summer I plan on going to camps that will challenge me and improve my badminton skills,” Barr said.
Barr is an example of a player with no experience before joining the team. Practicing is all she did to make sure she performed to the best of her ability.
“For my first year playing, I am proud of how I played because every match I always tried my best,” Barr said. “I have definitely improved throughout the season!”
Practice isn’t the only thing that helps shape the team, but the coaches support as well.
“Personally, Mr. Shubert has helped me with my emotions and to never give up,” Barr said. “He has helped me so much with my confidence and I couldn’t be more appreciative.”
Emotional support can really change the way a player performs, whether they’re super skillful or not.
“During practice, both Mr. Shubert and Ms. Christie would find different ways to help each one of individually,” said Syeda. “They noticed our strengths and weaknesses to work off it.”