The Warriors girls badminton team is preparing for the 2025 season with a focus on leadership and growth. Head coach Chris Hack and assistant coach Cassie Ruettiger attribute the team’s positive atmosphere and competitive mindset as crucial elements in their success.
Hack, who emphasizes camaraderie and sportsmanship, says fostering leadership comes naturally with this group. “With these girls, it’s pretty easy to do,” Hack said. “They all get along. They play well together. There are no issues at practice. They want to come to practice and get better, and then when we go to our meets, they’re all competitors and want to compete as well.”
Ruettiger echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the players’ growth throughout the season. She noted that their development extends beyond physical skills, as they are learning to approach the game strategically. “I just think, along with the whole team, their confidence has grown,” Ruettiger said. “They want to get better, and not just go out there with no strategy. They’re actively thinking about ways to improve, and they want to when they come to practice.”
Senior player Peyton White highlighted one of the most valuable lessons she learned from the sport: “It’s a mental game as well as a physical game,” White said. “So, to always have a positive mindset is important.”
Teammate Jess Dakin also emphasized the importance of attitude and body language on the court, explaining how individual energy can influence the entire team. “What goes on in your head shows in your body language, and that reflects on other people,” Dakin said. “So when you play with a positive attitude, you reflect that on others, and they reflect it back.”