Skyline badminton team keeps winning

(Tony Acuna)
Going undefeated in athletic competitions is not something that is done everyday. However, Skylines own badminton team is on the brink of accomplishing one of the great milestones in any sporting event. With only two games left in their regular season, the Trojans can see an undefeated season edging closer on the horizon. With little regard for their unlucky opposition the Trojans have consistently and tediously picked their opponents apart. A big factor in the team’s success is their strong experienced background. Coach Jan Fosberg has led the Trojans to 5 Coast Conference Championships in the 7 years that she has coached Skyline. Under her guidance the Trojans have also placed second in the State Championships four times, though they have never won the crown.Fosberg, along with assistant coach Jon Lee put together an impressive coaching unit to lead and teach their players to be the best that they can be.Numbers is just one of the reasons for the Trojans amazing success. Out of eleven players on the team, 8 have valuable experience from playing previously.Assistant coach Jon Lee says, “We have never had more than 7 players on the team before.” The added number of players allows players to have rest in between matches which keeps them fresh and more apt to perform at their usual high level.Casey Spinetti, a player on the team says that another big part of their success is from their doubles teams which have a lot of “versatility” in the fact that they “have no set partners” which allows them to better adjust to their opponents strengths and exploit their weaknesses. Though great coaching and experienced players is a good start, it can only take you so far. The Trojans work ethic can only be compared to that of professional athletes. Many of the girls go to Bay Badminton after their practices to continue to work out in a stimulating new environment for another few hours on an almost daily basis.Along with excellent players and coaching, Lee says the team has a “family atmosphere” to it which brings the girls closer together to form bonds to help and motivate and inspire each other constantly.The State Championships are in May where the Trojans will face their toughest opponents to date in the teams from Southern California. In the 9 year history of State no Nor Cal team has ever beaten a So Cal team to claim the title says Lee.The Trojans are trying to make history this year and “This year is our best shot,” Lee said.