The BG badminton team’s dedication led them to State last year and allowed them to hold a record of 165–0 this past season. Moreover, dedication can be seen in their second place finish at the State tournament.

According to head badminton coach Chris Vangrondelle the girls are dedicated to the game. They spend a good portion of their off–season practicing for the upcoming year, while they spend all their extra time on the courts during the season.

“After we get done with a meet they’ll stay after two more hours and just play,” Vangrondelle said.

According to senior, Kristen McClellan, the new athletes who will fill those spaces were eager to step up and take on new responsibilities.

“It is really exciting to possibly be able to qualify for State, and as a team I think we have a really strong chance of having success and hopefully bringing home a trophy,” McClellan said.

Even though the team dedicates their time to improving, it doesn’t stop them from having a good time.

“My job is pretty easy,” Vangrondelle said. “They certainly take control of things and make sure everybody is doing the things they need to do. They love being with each other, and they love badminton.”

At Sectionals, the team played against West Chicago Bartlett, Libertyville, St. Charles East and Wheaton North and placed first out of the five different schools. In the final, senior Katelyn Sommers and Julie Jambrone faced the BG second doubles team, Tori Appelt and Stephanie Mayer, to take first and  second place in sectionals.

“It’s a hard battle to fight and the game was pretty close, but Julie and I pulled ahead and clenched the win,” Sommers said.

As the team headed into State, the qualifiers had set goals for themselves, and were hoping to meet and exceed them.

“I honestly think we can win first as a team, if we all stick together and play like we have been,” Sommers said.

To end their season, the team took second at State while Sommers and Jambrone took first for doubles. In their final match Sommers and Jambrone played York High School with a final score of 21–11 and 21–9.

As the season came to a close on May 16, the seniors said their goodbyes. However,  the memories made on and off the court will remain with them forever.

“As cliche as it sounds, we really are a family,” McClellan said.  “All of the players and coaches support each other and keep up a positive attitude.”