The Thornton Fractional South Red Wolves girls’ badminton team exemplifies a community founded on dedication and resilience. Head coach Dynecia Dixon highlights the commitment her players bring to the sport.
“The lucky thing about badminton is that the players are very dedicated, and not every sport has the same level of dedication,” Dixon said. “That has changed the way I coach because I’m very appreciative of the kids who put in the effort.”
According to sophomore Fortune Ike, embracing both victories and mistakes is a crucial lesson learned from playing badminton. “One valuable thing I’ve learned from playing badminton is that it’s okay to make mistakes,” Ike said. “Sometimes you’re having a bad day, sometimes you’re having a good day, but you should never dwell on mistakes because you can always fix them later.”
For senior Azuri Akbar, maintaining composure on the court is essential. “I learned to hide my emotions—not in a negative way, but so my opponent doesn’t see if I’m angry or upset,” Akbar said. “You learn to keep a straight face, like a poker face, on and off the court.”
Senior Deisy Salto emphasizes finding balance in taking the game seriously without letting setbacks become personal. “You have to find a balance, and that helps in the future,” Salto said. “And, of course, sportsmanship.” When preparing for a match, Salto stresses the importance of team support. “Be there for your teammates if they need it, especially if they’re dwelling on a loss,” she said. “And just don’t stress too much.”
With its strong team culture and dedicated players, the Red Wolves badminton team continues to grow.
