Garrison Forest’s Bruna Lu Nets 2024 IAAM Badminton Singles Championship 

By Maria Beam Gray

After going undefeated on the season, Bruna Lu of Garrison Forest swept through the IAAM 2024 badminton tournament to capture the Singles title.

As the top seed in the three day tournament held at Roland Park, Lu secured a 1st round bye and was then pitted against Garrison Forest teammate Gracie Kothari for round two. Lu moved on to the quarterfinals to beat out Stella (Ngan) Nguyen of John Carroll before advancing to a victory over Maryvale Prep’s Néve Council in the semifinals. 

The championship showdown brought the tournament’s #1 seed Lu versus #2 seed Izzy Burger from St. Paul’s School for Girls. The spirited head to head resulted in Lu earning the crown. Their depth of competition throughout the season did not go unnoticed as the two talented athletes were each named to the IAAM’s 2024 Badminton All-Conference team. 

“Even though I play singles, it was definitely not a one person game,” said Lu, crediting her team and coaches for her growth. “Whether it was pushing each other during practice or giving me pep talks before the finals that boosted my confidence, I have learned so much.”

Garrison Forest head coach Crystal Lee Alston emphasized Lu’s contribution not just as a strong player but as an equally good person. 

“Bruna is an amazing badminton player who has played the sport on and off since she was in the first grade,” noted Alston. “She’s a delightful person who is mature, kind, and balanced.”

Whether through early arrival or stepping in to help her head coach feed birdies to players during practices when the Grizzlies part-time assistant coach couldn't be present, her coach valued Lu’s contributions all season long.

“She’d be in the gym every day at 3:00 pm setting up for 4:00 pm practice and welcoming and hitting around with younger teammates as they arrived,” Alston praised.

The senior and peer nominated captain, who attended Garrison Forest virtually for her freshman through junior years, wrapped up her high school badminton run as a champion while recognizing the value of being together.

“This team and coaches reminded me how much fun it was to play badminton,” reflected Lu. “I want to thank them for making it such a memorable season.”