A brand new season of Moore League Badminton is about to be underway. Here’s a look at each team as they gear up for a competitive spring.
Cabrillo
The Jaguars have built a powerhouse program over the past few years and are fresh off back-to-back More League titles. Nevertheless, 2024 Moore League Coach of the Year Russian Joe Galima has challenged his players to continue improving and commit to the standard of excellence that has brought the team its recent accolades.
“Our main focus this season is retaining our players throughout the year and making sure they continue to grow in both skill and competitive mindset,” Galima said. “We know every team will be coming for us, so our emphasis remains on staying disciplined, consistent, working hard, and pushing ourselves to be better every day.”
Senior Brian Habacon and junior Julia Rapanda will lead Cabrillo in singles, while the reigning Moore League Girls Doubles Champions junior Maria Buenviaje and senior Jaylene Ramirez-Diaz make their return. In boys doubles, Galima dubs junior Jomari Pidenis and senior Crissangel Gomez as the top group, while sophomore Michelle Chau is a varsity newcomer to keep an eye on.
Wilson
The Bruins will be filled with a massive overhaul of young talent after a strong class of seniors graduated last spring. Head coach Adrian Marquez considers this a rebuilding season for the Bruins as they aim to develop their squad.
“We have a lot of new girls and a whole new batch of promising boys this year,” Marquez said. “Our aim is to get as much experience as possible in order to be contender-ready for the next season.”
Junior Stephanie Alvarado is Wilson’s only returning varsity member and aims to build on her previous season where she placed 2nd in Moore League Mixed Doubles. Marquez also envisions Alvarado spending some time in singles.
Sophomore Margareth Bagos and junior Diana Vazquez are the key incoming varsity players that Marquez dubs the core of the team. They played doubles together in JV and will enter varsity with different partners and bigger roles.
“It’ll be exciting to see how they perform at a higher level of play.” Marquez said.
Long Beach Poly
The Jackrabbits will deploy a strong mix of both upperclassmen and underclassmen to their varsity lineup as they look to make a Moore League run.
Head coach Rob Shock has a clear set of goals for his team this season.
“Improve team performance, skill development and chemistry, be competitive, (have) good sportsmanship, and have fun and enjoy badminton,” Shock said.
Leading the pack in singles will be senior Nga Phamm, who finished 2nd in Moore League. Junior Danny Lam and senior Soki Phay fill in the other singles spots. In doubles, Shock expects big things from the senior duo of Joshua Chhauy and Araya Leuth.
The Jackrabbits will also welcome a plethora of varsity newcomers. These include sophomore Joshua Louie—who Shock dubs “our team’s little devil”—and Peter You—who Shock describes as a badminton enthusiast. Rodney Aguilon and Kelvin Nguyen will also embrace a full-time varsity role after being called up from JV last season.
Shock also touted Felicia Toch, Danika Hour, Jessi Ambrosio, and Diana Perez for showcasing major improvement this season. They’ll round out Poly’s varsity lineup.
Millikan
The Rams are fielding a roster of mostly upperclassmen, as they will bank on a seasoned and experienced lineup to lead them this season.
“Our primary goal this season is to win games and continue improving as a team,” head coach Jacob Lovato said. “We aim to develop our players’ skills, strengthen our teamwork, and build a competitive mindset to achieve success on the court.”
Millikan returns four seniors in singles this season: Chloe Stevens, Olivia Padilla, Jaden Ornelas and Luke Gossage. Lovato values these players for their experience and leadership.
The doubles lineup will also consist of almost all seniors, including Vickie Lam, Kailyn Khamkhensouvann, Eileen Vuong, Zoe Huynh, Joshua Kelly and Jonathan Kelley. Junior Aiden Iglesia is also a returner that will help strengthen the Ram’s lineup.
“With so many seniors graduating this year, we are especially proud of their dedication and growth throughout their time in the program,” Lovato said. “Their leadership, both on and off the court, has set a great example for our younger players and we look forward to seeing them finish their high school careers on a high note.”
