An increasing number of players has OPRF badminton head coach Paul Wright excited about the present and future outlook of the program. He’s especially impressed with how this has come about despite challenges presented by ongoing campus construction.
“[OPRF athletic director] Nicole Ebsen has been amazing; she’s found a way to help foster more space for our growing program,” said Wright, entering his 13th season. “We now have 18 courts in the fieldhouse and have added a junior-varsity two level and some additional freshman ‘B’ games to keep students involved. … This increase has allowed us to keep an additional 25 athletes.
“The extra [junior-varsity] level really provides another year of development, athletic participation, and school connection,” he added. “It’s really hard to make the jump from freshman badminton to junior-varsity/varsity and this extra level helps with a more natural progression and keeps students involved in a great sport.”
Here is a preview of the Huskies:
Head coach: Paul Wright (13th season)
Last season: OPRF went 10-6 in duals and sent Anika Gupta and Lilianna Jasinska downstate in doubles, with the duo going 2-2.
Returning varsity players: Josie Badrinath (Sr), Alice Cadwell (Sr), Sonja Emerson (Sr), Anika Gupta (Sr), Ada Klein (Sr).
Top newcomers: Evelyn Cultra (Jr), Malini Datta-Nemana (Sr), Stella Ludwig (Jr), Mariana Nache (Sr), Emily Smith (Jr), Ally Sugita (Jr), Olive Tepfer (Jr), Wes Wong (Sr).
Top invitational: Conant Invite, April 26 – “It’s a solid measuring stick for state and of how we have progressed this season,” said Wright.
West Suburban Silver outlook: “Hinsdale Central was young last year and extremely successful; they and York will be fighting for the top spot,” Wright said. “We had a lot more girls commit themselves to training during the offseason, and it will be interesting to see how we match up against those two programs.”
Season goals: “We really would like to qualify two double teams and a singles position for state this year,” Wright said. “We have some new faces that are eager for the challenge and the road ahead.”
OPRF opens the season March 19 at Leyden Township, and the Huskies welcome Hinsdale Central for their home opener, March 21, at 4:30 p.m.