You may have heard through the grapevine, whether that be from the mid-morning announcements or directly from the source, that the Sunnyslope Badminton team has been crushing it in their matches.
Yet, that’s not their entire story.
The reality is that they’ve been triumphant in their everyday lives, just the same.
Here is an insider’s perspective into the badminton team’s success and the bond that their sport has brought them all.
The badminton team is made up of over 20 hard working girls representing all grade levels.
The Varsity Team’s only recorded loss of the 2024 season was back in early September when they faced Hamilton High School.
Since then they have maintained an astonishing winning streak.
Head Coach Sarah Schlesinger mentioned that their “goal for this season is to compete in the state competition, individually and as a team. We’re ranked second in Arizona and hopefully we can go compete with the best teams as we go into the state competition.”
Last year, Slope’s Varsity Team were state champions and did not fail to impress everyone in the stands with their matches.
This year’s varsity team is partaking in the state competition this week with 2 team wins from this week in their pocket, hoping to make it a third.
“Every year, we start training in May and continue throughout the summer then [have] daily practices [during] our season,” stated Badminton Captain Annabelle Schlesinger.
Annabelle also happens to be Coach Schlesinger’s daughter.
They practice here at Sunnyslope for hours every week, pouring their time into something greater than them.
Annabelle has spent her high school career participating in badminton as both a player and a mentor.
Her and Coach Schlesinger make a wonderful pair, as mother and daughter, building new skills within varsity members while also showing the underclassmen the ropes.
Annabelle noted that, “Being captain pushes me to work harder. I have learned how to be a leader and encourage my team… being on such a special team makes working hard feel so much more rewarding.”
The badminton team members have all shown a great deal of love for their captain and coach, acknowledging the influence they have on the girls’ accomplishments.
Junior Layton Hunter emphasized that, “Mrs. Schlesinger coaches so well. She understands what you need to hear when you don’t even know yourself. She is so good at making sure everyone on the team is getting the attention they need to improve–I love her and her family so much, and their support is incredible.”
Considering the player’s comments, it is evident that the team is a safe place for them to be themselves and learn from one another.
Junior Brianna Valente believes her team is where she made all of her closest friends throughout her years at Sunnyslope.
Valente expanded on this and said “For some, [badminton] might be the happiest moment of your life… that you share with the group of people that you love and care about.”
After a season full of triumphs, Sunnyslope’s Badminton team awaits their state championship in hopes of victory.
Nevertheless, the gained memories and close-knit bonds formed through their shared sport is victory enough.