Junior Annie Bedalov qualified for state badminton competition for the first time in her high school career this season. She has played on the varsity team since her sophomore year, and has been coming to DGN badminton camps since she was seven.

However, no amount of training could have prepared her for the state atmosphere.

“I sort of knew what to expect, but there is no way to replicate the environment of a state tournament in your training,” Bedalov said. “It was so much more intense than I had anticipated.”

Aside from these nerves, Bedalov was excited just to qualify.

“I know what a formative learning experience it can be in an athlete’s career, and also how much fun it is, Bedalov said.”