About a year ago, I was in high school preparing for one my favorite times of the year — badminton season. All school year long I couldn’t wait for the first day of badminton to begin. I couldn’t wait to be reunited with my teammates, my racket in my hand, and the court beneath my feet. Playing the game and being on my high school’s team was one of the best feelings in the world and I miss my teammates and the game so much.

Dear Former Teammates,

Being on the team was one of my favorite things about high school. I’m grateful for the experience and the memories that we made from our victory nuggets at McDonalds to our overtired Saturday morning practices. Some of my favorite moments have happened in that gym.

Junior year was really where the awesomeness began. Although the team had lost a lot of players because of the graduated seniors, it still improved a lot thanks to our new freshmen — who quickly became friends. Thanks to your help, determination, and friendship we made it to the county semi-finals and came in fourth place. This was the first time our high school’s girls’ varsity badminton team had ever made it to the county championship.

Last year, we dominated and I couldn’t have been more proud. We won almost every single match, except against this one school, you know who I’m talking about guys. Again, we made it to the county semi-finals that year starting in third place. During semi-finals we played against our biggest competition and we won when we really needed it most. The next day at finals we were confident going in because we had already won against the team we were up against, but we didn’t want to get too confident because we didn’t want to trip over our own cockiness.

We won.

It was the first time Smithtown High School East’s Girls’ Varsity Badminton Team had ever won the Suffolk County Championship in the sport. It was amazing and it was all thanks to you guys.

You guys were the best team in the world to me. I couldn’t have asked for better teammates and friends. I don’t think we would have ever done as well if our team wasn’t so connected and I don’t think I could’ve won those last two games if it weren’t for you guys as amazing teammates and friends, especially, my two closest, Juliana and Gina. The team clicked. Everyone was friends and kind to one another — even the boys. I haven’t mentioned much of them, but the girls and boys teams practiced together, and both teams got along so well.

Furthermore, none of it would have been possible without our coaches. We had two great coaches that helped us improve, teach us new techniques, and always pushed us to do our absolute best.

So, I want to wish my former teammates — and friends — and incoming freshmen players an amazing season. Keep up the great work; you’re all going to do great. Enjoy your time on the team while you have it. I miss you all so much and I’ll be sure to visit soon. And lastly…

Good luck!