Traveling through Guatemala, Canada, and across the United States, sophomore Jade Hu puts herself through countless trips for her one passion: badminton. While other players might see it as an after-school hobby, Hu takes the sport into a higher level of commitment, competitiveness, and demand. Her six years of experience in badminton allow her to compete at both national and international level. Its influence on Hu lingers even off the court, shaping strict habits, cultivating balance, and molding a strong mindset.
“If you’re not confident, your shots are just gonna be bad because you already put in your mind that they’re not good enough.” Hu said, “Just be confident in yourself [and] you can win.”
Playing badminton is both physically and emotionally demanding, especially when competing on an international level and facing the best players across North America.
“It’s more of a mental game: you have to stay confident [and] believe in yourself,” Hu said. “It’s not a team sport, so self talk is really important in singles and doubles.”
Hu plans to continue badminton throughout high school and into college. Her hard work and dedication on the court are driven by her long-term goals to compete in more Pan-American tournaments and travel internationally to countries like China and Indonesia which have stronger badminton culture.
“I want to win bigger tournaments,” Hu said. “Maybe the Olympics one day because I believe in myself.”
Hu developed time management by balancing the sport, academic responsibilities, and her social life.
“I’m always training, so I have to know how to focus and then manage my time well by doing homework,” Hu said.
Beyond the competition, badminton has allowed Hu to build strong relationships, bonds, and create a sense of community and belonging within her badminton club. She makes time for her teammates off the court, which helps create the important chemistry needed for doubles.
“Whenever you go to tournaments, you can connect with other people and make new friends,” Hu said. “It’s like another family to me because we’re really close in our club. When I’m sad or when I feel like I’m not playing well, I can ask my friends.”
Badminton means a lot more to Hu than just a sport—It has taught her how to manage her time under strict deadlines along with her limited schedule, staying positive in challenging situations, and working hard towards her ambitions.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities I have to fly out and go to different tournaments and training,” Hu said.
