The Lincoln-Way Central varsity badminton team concluded its 2025 season with a record of 5-14. Head coach Ryan Pohlmann highlighted the team’s late-season improvement and strong team culture as significant achievements.
“It was a season in which we continued to improve throughout,” Pohlmann said. “While we didn’t get many wins early on, we felt by the end we were playing some of our best badminton.”
According to Pohlmann, despite facing challenging competition within a strong conference, the players maintained a positive mindset. “Our attitude all season was fantastic,” he said.
Seniors Emily Riebe and Zoe O’Connor were recognized as key leaders for their dedication to the team. “They really flourished throughout the season,” Pohlmann noted. “They were the type of players who looked out for their teammates all year long.”
Pohlmann emphasized that off-season play is crucial for improvement. “One of the biggest separators in badminton is how much girls play outside the season,” he said. “The top teams have year-round players. We just need a little more badminton in our lives outside of the season.”
He also acknowledged that the bonds formed within the team made the season meaningful. “Badminton has such a great group of girls involved,” Pohlmann remarked. “The camaraderie and friendships built during the season are so strong.”
Looking forward, Pohlmann expressed optimism about the Knights’ future prospects, citing a strong junior class and promising talent advancing from the junior varsity level. “As tough as our conference is, we believe we have a chance to be one of the top teams next year,” he said.