Riverside-Brookfield and Lyons Township Badminton Teams Prepare for Competitive Seasons

As the 2026 badminton season approaches, both Riverside-Brookfield High School (RBHS) and Lyons Township High School (LTHS) are gearing up for competition, with a focus on experienced leadership and team development. RBHS looks to build on a 5-6 dual record from the previous year, even as LTHS aims for collective growth and a strong team culture.

Riverside-Brookfield Bulldogs: Strength in Doubles and Veteran Leadership

The Riverside-Brookfield Bulldogs are optimistic about their chances this season, largely due to the strong partnership of seniors Aubrey Kaczmarek and Rhea McDonald. The duo spent significant time practicing together during the offseason, resulting in numerous first-place finishes and a refined doubles strategy.

“I consider we definitely did both improve (from last season),” Kaczmarek said. “As a team doubles, we definitely had some bumps to figure out but now we’ve figured them out and we’re really strong this year.”

Coach Dan Herbeck emphasizes the importance of experience, noting that Kaczmarek is a four-year returner who sets a positive example for younger players. “Aubrey brings experience and sets a great example for younger players. The top players push each other in practice and set the tone,” Herbeck stated. “Our goal is to improve every time we take the floor. Our team success will depend on our newcomers putting in the perform and improving throughout the season.”

McDonald also highlighted the team’s positive communication and supportive environment. “I like how our team communicates a lot. We want to make sure everybody’s on top of stuff and does their part, always encouraging each other,” she said.

The Bulldogs’ roster includes seniors Natalie Alexander, Alterra Bonete, Andrea Casales, Sophie Fingerhut, Greta Huns, and Ava Wallish, along with juniors Carolina Busch, Avery Mendoza, Stella Pichman, Alicia Roman, and Sophie Simpson, and sophomores Demetra Foster and Mariana Lozano.

Last season, Kaczmarek and the doubles team of McDonald and Lozano achieved 1-2 records with victories in the consolation bracket at the sectional tournament. Kaczmarek previously played sectional doubles with Clare Ruska in 2024.

Lyons Township Lions: Focusing on Fun and Unified Team Culture

Lyons Township High School is entering the season with a junior-dominated lineup, blending returning players with newcomers. Senior Sylwia Siebiesiuk emphasizes the importance of enjoying the sport, learning from a previous season where a focus on winning led to stress and burnout.

“Junior year, I was very focused on winning and qualifying for state. This would often leave me under a lot of stress and burnt out, which made me lose matches a lot,” Siebiesiuk said. “In my senior year, I don’t want to focus solely on winning. At the end of the day, it’s a sport, and it’s all for fun.”

The Lions finished fourth in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division with a 2-3 dual record in 2025.

Coach Stephanie Spytek believes the team’s greatest strength is its unified culture. “While we have a lot of new talent and are still defining our lineup, the foundation of this group is built on a relentless work ethic and genuine kindness toward one another,” Spytek said.

The LTHS roster includes seniors Abby Allen, Juliet Dillenbeck, Luci Mini, and Katherine Seiple, along with juniors Sophia Dalgety, Emma Garcia, Makayla Genovesi, Jenny Girgis, Carolina Gonzalez, Ella Gryfakis, Olivia Lara, Abigail Skipper, and Cynthia Trevino.

At the 2025 sectional, Siebiesiuk and the doubles team of Dalgety and Gryfakis both finished 1-2, with Siebiesiuk winning her opening match. Dalgety also earned her first state berth in doubles during the fall girls tennis season.

Spytek’s primary goal is collective growth, focusing on improving technical skills and court awareness. “Success for us will be defined by consistency and chemistry. Maintaining our high standard of effort in every practice and continuing to prioritize our teammates’ success,” she added.