Boys’ Badminton: Flagship and Banner Year

Boys Badminton is now a district sport; to learn more about our amazing district team, I reached out to Coach Guzzardo, who guided them to great success in their first-ever season. I also learned more about Coach Guzzardo and how she became the coach of our District Boys' Badminton Team. 

Background information about Coach Guzzardo 

Coach Guzzardo attended Valley Stream North and graduated in 1997. After high school, she followed a career in education and has spent the last 24 years teaching Earth Science/Environmental Science at Valley Stream Central. In addition, she coached VSN Girls Varsity Volleyball Team for fifteen years, VSN Boys Varsity Volleyball for ten years, VSN JR High Girls VB for twelve years, and VSC Girls Varsity Badminton for the last eleven years. “I played both volleyball and badminton at North, LIBA Club volleyball, and varsity volleyball at Connecticut College for four years.  I was a New York State volleyball referee for 3 years.  Can you tell that I love these two sports?”  Yes, we can. Her devotion and enthusiasm for the sports she has participated in motivates many players and athletes, including myself.  

During her time at North, she was a 2nd doubles player on the Girls Varsity Badminton Team for two years. Former Badminton Coach, Mr. Schiavo, led them to the playoffs, and she received the honor of All-Conference in her senior year.  Her passion for badminton began when she was a child. Coach Guzzardo, who liked playing tennis, felt “badminton could be fun too,” and “I was right!” she says. It is a high-energy sport that makes her think of chess.  “You have to not just outlast your opponent but also outsmart them.” She discusses badminton's similarities to volleyball, including rally scoring and the abilities required to play the sport.  Players are continually pushed during the rally, whether with difficult shots, defense, footwork, or mental activity. And “it is so rewarding” when a player ultimately delivers the shot to gain a point, she added. 

Valley Stream District Boys Badminton 

There has been a Girls Varsity Badminton Team both at North and Central; however, boys' badminton was not offered.  Coach Guzzardo stated that male kids would inquire “if there will be a boys' badminton team”. She hosted clinics for boys previously, and the reaction was fantastic. She was thrilled to learn that there would be a District Boys’ Badminton Team, so she applied to coach.  She used to coach three sports seasons every year but missed coaching in the fall.  Coaching the Girls Badminton Team at VSC has been “so rewarding,” and she hopes to “help more students learn about and enjoy badminton.” “Being involved in sports has impacted my life in positive ways and given me many memories - both as a player and as a coach.  I wanted to be able to offer that to students and give back to the Valley Stream community.”  

Valley Stream District Boys’ Badminton had an exceptional season, as they earned third place with a record of 10 wins and 4 losses. The 4 matches that they lost were all 3:4. 7 players on the team earned awards with 6 All-Conference players and 1 All-County Honorable Mention.  “All 3 Singles players went undefeated in Conference 2!  What a great way to let other schools know that Valley Stream has entered the court and we're here to protect it” Coach Guzzardo added.  One of the best highlights of their season was their achievement of a 7:0 win, and it was their last match of the season against Calhoun.  Coach Guzzardo shared that all the players rushed to the courts to celebrate at the end.  

Valley Stream North is represented by sophomore Gabriel Manuel who has done an excellent job on the team.  He is a part of the 2nd Doubles and has earned All-Conference this season.  Coach Guzzardo looks forward to coaching him over the next 2 years.  

VSN Athlete Gabriel Manuel earned All-Conference 

 “I would like to have more VSN students come out for the team next Fall.  Sign-ups will be in the Spring of 2025 and tryouts are the last week of August.  All practices and matches are held at VS Memorial.  I will be hosting boy badminton clinics towards the end of the year, so please be on the lookout on Instagram and listen to the morning announcements.  Thank you for this opportunity to discuss the VS District Boys’ Badminton Team and see you on the courts!” Guzzardo says. 

I would like to thank Coach Guzzardo for sharing her story and telling our readers about the wonderful season our District Boys’ Badminton Team had. Thank you!   

Congratulations to the boys for their academic excellence and athletic ability. VSN Varsity Boys’ Badminton is a NYS Scholar-Athlete Team.