There are many sports in student athletes can choose from in the Fall. While sports like football, volleyball, and soccer get lots of attention, there are other sports that deserving of their time to shine too!
Two sports that had great fall seasons that we don’t hear enough about are allied soccer and badminton.
After Mr. Flavin took over as head coach of the Badminton team from Mr. Erdman, many of his players did not return, so the past season was a rebuilding year. Even though the team was able to grow to eleven players by season’s end, it wasn’t enough to field a full roster.
However, students practiced hard and played hard, and were able to stay competitive for at least half the games, despite missing players. Mr. Flavin intends to have a “recruiting day” in May of 2024 to try to lure as many players as possible for next season. Keep an eye out for an after-school event in which there will be food and drinks provided.
There were many success stories this season, not the least of which was our two parting seniors, Kayle Hartman and Madison Gunn, who ended the season with several victories and being supportive to all our new team members. At one point in the season, our doubles were #1 in the girls category, Thurayah and Mercy, took all three sets to the limit, winning 25-24, then losing 21-18, until finally winning the last on 25-21. One player, Ola Balogun, was the most improved player. She began the season without a day of experience, and ended the season with a victory!
Kenwood’s Allied soccer program had a great winning streak this school year. They were left undefeated.
Allied sports are for students with intellectual disabilities. They have their own sports so they can also engage in physical sports just like everyone else. They play soccer during the fall, and bocce ball during the winter. and softball during the spring.
Ms.Phillips is the allied sports coach. She coaches the team throughout all three seasons. She says “Allier sports allows students with disabilities to feel involved in the community”.
This year kenwoods allied soccer team went undefeated and won the eastern division championship on October 30, 2023.
Ms.Phillips then adds on “ This is a great benefit for the students because they are able to socialize outside of school and work with everyone and get to meet new people”.
Allied Sports will be back this winter with bowling and this Spring with softball. Be sure to come check out this energetic group of student athletes.
