Hi! I’m Ryan and a senior at Mission San Jose High School. I first discovered badminton in my aunt’s home when I was just three years old. Almost immediately, I got hooked onto the sport and have been playing ever since. Now, after a decade, I am a US junior national champion, a Pan Am junior champion, and a World Junior Championships participant. Badminton has undoubtedly been a key part of my life, shaping my character and values. It has given me my closest friends, unforgettable experiences, and important lessons  which go far beyond the court. Outside of badminton, I love traveling to faraway places, eating all kinds of cuisines, and solving escape rooms!

Hi, I’m Vera! I’m currently a sophomore at BASIS Independent Fremont. Badminton has taken up my identity since the age of seven. My experiences on the court have raised me into the individual I am today, molding my mindset toward everyday obstacles and how I overcome them. As it happens, my willingness to train has brought many hardships but it was this very feeling instilled in me that eventually helped me achieve a gold medal both in US Junior National Championships and Pan Am Junior Championships. I want to expand badminton as a way to promote healthy development in youth as well as help them realize their meaningful goals. Outside the court, I'll be practicing piano, museum-hopping, and listening to true crime podcasts!

Hi everyone, my name is Weslie Chen from Irvington High School and I have been playing badminton for nearly my whole life. I started playing at 6 years old because my older brother was playing and I would watch from the side and replicate the swings they were doing. That’s when my ten year journey started. During my career I have achieved a lot and made PanAms four times. I have also won NCS and CIF in high school badminton. Even though I have achieved so much, I had many ups and downs. Badminton was not only a passion that I had, but it was something that had helped me grow and mature as a person. Badminton helped me realize how to deal with the highest highs and lowest lows. Lastly, with my teammates and coaches, I was to have an environment that I felt comfortable in. I hope that I can recreate it for all of you guys!

Hi, my name is Scott and I am a freshman at Foothill High School. I have been playing badminton since I was six years old. While I was too young to play with the older kids, I would often watch them play, hoping I would be as good as them one day. I trained five times a week in a bright green gym I consider my second home. After many years of training, I became a US junior national champion and a Pan Am junior champion. Through badminton, I have not only made a lot of friends from places all over the world, but also learned the importance of persistence. Badminton will remain one of my biggest passions throughout my life. Along with playing badminton, I love to read books, listen to music, hike, and travel.