Varsity:
Resilience is a necessary part of any sports team, and OHS Badminton is a great example of that. After losing many valuable, mostly senior players, at the conclusion of the 22-23 season, much of the Varsity and JV teams had to be rebuilt.
“We have a brand new team this year,” said Paula Cappelletti, Badminton coach. “We lost all of our Varsity except one [player] this year, and we lost all of our JV.”
The still growing team is facing the difficulties that a developing team would be expected to face.
“Everyone learns at a different pace and there are ups and downs,” said Charleigh Schuettler, junior.
With the team being almost entirely new and still developing their skills it is important for them to unite on a more personal level to help each other reach their stride.
“I do know that that is one of the things that a coach has to do, is be able to have a personal relationship, build a rapport with their students or with their athletes,” Cappelletti said.
A coach’s role entails much more than just the title. The appreciation of Coach Cappelletti’s dedication to her role is shown in the players.
“[Coach Cappelletti] encourages us to work hard, to be determined, just to be the best version of ourselves on the court,” said Brynlee Evanson, junior.
Coach Cappelletti, or “Coach Cap” as she is known among the players, is always highly praised.
“She’s patient and she’s very understanding,” Schuettler said.
Coach Cap herself has a bright outlook on the future since there will be many returning players next season, as none of the current players are seniors.
“Every day that I come to practice, every time we have a match, I just keep looking for the future and I think our future is going to really be bright,” Cappelletti said.
JV:
JV Badminton has a brand-new roster this year, and with it, a team culture of its own. The players strive to be better and grow closer, with Coach Cappelletti fostering their progress.
“It’s a really big jump from last year because a lot of the players are pretty new,” said Nicole Eom, sophomore.
However, joining the team may not be all that daunting to new players due to the team’s environment.
“I wasn’t scared at all entering the team, they make you feel very welcome,” said Aubrey Baker, freshman.
Much of this team culture is made possible by the coach, and the appreciation for her is evident in the attitudes of the players.
“She encourages us to work together and to really help each other out on the court,” Baker said.
Off the court, balancing sports and school is not always easy.
“It’s kind of hard to balance homework and sports, especially this year because last year it was more lenient because it was during my freshman year and I didn’t have that much school work,” Eom said.
Still, players are able to push past these difficulties and find success.
“We are two and two right now [at the time this is written], and I am very happy with the success that’s going on with our team right now because they’ve really had to step up,” Cappelletti said.
