After finishing 8-2 in the South Coast Conference last season, second behind Pasadena City College, the San Diego Mesa College women’s badminton team will rely on the progression of first-year players and lean on veterans for a successful season.

Megan Nguyen, the reigning doubles champion returns for her last season and will sit atop the lineup. Sophomores Ariana Huerta, Sophia Walton, and Mille Touch will round out the lower part of the lineup and will play key roles throughout the season. 

Esther Ngo returns to compete for the Olympians. A state qualifier in singles and doubles in 2022, Ngo returns with a much-improved game, after dedicating herself to the craft, and will hold down the #2 doubles slot.

First-year players Tien Nguyen, Mylene Keophaseut, Kathy Lee, and Brittney Villalvazo round out the squad. Nguyen competed for assistant coach Thai Lay at Patrick Henry High School, having captured four of the last five CIF team championships. Lee and Villalvazo represented Madison High School and are both seasoned badminton players who are strategically sound. 

Freshman Mylene Keophaseut captured the 2022 CIF singles title for Mira Mesa and will anchor the number two slot. Keophaseut will be paired with Megan Nguyen, and both will be a formidable foe this season. 

The team opens the 2024 campaign at home on Friday, February 23 against Compton College. The team will then hit the road on Wednesday, February 28 against San Diego City College, followed by the much anticipated dual match against DeAnza College on Thursday, February 29.