IAAM Schools Ready to Rally as Badminton Tourney Takes Flight
By Maria Beam Gray
The 2024 IAAM Badminton postseason tournament gets underway this week as participating schools will take to the courts on Wednesday, April 24th for first-round action.
Roland Park Country School will host the three day tournament with competition continuing on Thursday and culminating with the championship showdowns this Friday. Matches kick-off at 3:00 PM daily.
With regular season badminton standings tallied and athletes ready to take a swing at advancing, here's the standings order and a preview heading into post-season play. Please note that players to watch are listed only if information was submitted by coaches.
ST. PAUL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS: With a 9-0 in-season record, the 2023 defending IAAM badminton champions sit at the top of the leaderboard and are what some consider a strong favorite to repeat.
BRYN MAWR: The Mawrtians head into the tournament finishing at second on the leaderboard after netting an 8-1 record. Head coach Steven Page thinks his squad has a promising chance to excel. “We have incredible depth in our lineup, particularly in the doubles discipline,” noted Page.
Mawrtian Players to Watch: #1 doubles Celeste Flores and Erin Zhang. After finishing the regular season tied for 1st place, Page is optimistic of the duo’s chances to win the tournament. Jackie Wei and Liana Kai, #4 doubles, undefeated on the season. Crystal Wang and Emily Yang, #2 doubles, share only one loss. Leading singles at #1 the team will look to senior Shreya Srivastava.
GARRISON FOREST, MARYVALE PREP, NOTRE DAME PREP: With a 6-3 record a piece, 3rd place on the leaderboard is a crowded field with three teams sharing the spot and looking to break out this week.
“We’re looking forward to a wonderfully competitive and fun tournament,” stated Garrison Forest head coach Crystal Lee Alston. “There are always surprises and upsets!”
Grizzlies Players to Watch: Undefeated singles players Bruna Lu and Gracie Kothari.
Lions Players to Watch: Singles #1 Neve Council. Doubles #1 Maddy Wnek and Hope Stuehler
ROLAND PARK COUNTRY: The host school finished regular season play with a 4-5 record.
FRIENDS, JOHN CARROLL: The two schools are tied for 7th in the division as each brought home two wins on the season.
ST. TIMOTHY’S: Sliding into a 9th place regular season finish, St. Timothy’s enters the post-season with a 1-8 record.
GLENELG COUNTRY: Although the team didn't earn any victories this spring, the Dragons are young and enthusiastic and are eager to soak up the experience.
“We are here to have fun and learn the sport and we've really enjoyed the opportunities we’ve had to play against more established teams,” said head coach Lauren Reuwer. “We’re so proud of this team and their positivity, their love of the game, and their respect for their competitors.”
Dragon Players to Watch: Ella Madhok, singles #2. A strong and aggressive player that's shown big growth in skill and strategy. Partners Joyce Yun and Aarushi Sansare who although new to the sport, have worked hard this season to build their chemistry and skill set.
IAAM Badminton tournament brackets can be followed tomorrow via https://www.iaamsports.com/championships/badminton/