Badminton star backhands competition
Long serve Liu leads Dons with her agility and determination
May 3, 2016
She has a shy smile, but her dedication towards badminton is strong. When on court, she is solely committed to the game, and nothing else.
A badminton racket has been held in her hand ever since she was in third grade. Yu Hsuan Liu, 19, computer science major, is one of the newest additions to the women’s badminton team.
swat the birdie against Fresno City College on April 14.
Her passion for badminton grew as she grew watching her parents play. It all started as a fun family sports, Liu said.
Liu sometimes struggles during rough matches due to her soft-minded mentality and her considerate personality, she said “I am not good at smashing because I feel that it can be pretty rude sometimes,” said Liu. “I constantly tell and encourage myself that it is OK to be aggressive and competitive on the court.”
Although very shy, Liu’s strong desire for the team’s victories and championship keep her motivated at all times.
Things are very different now that she is a part of a team compared to the past when it was all about fun. Making her more determined to take badminton seriously, Liu said.
She credited her coach Mark Landefeld for giving her opportunities and advice on becoming a better badminton player.
Her strength lies in her agility skills, and I am very pleased with the determination she has shown for the team.
— Mark Landefeld, De Anza badminton head coach
“He brings us to other schools for matches,” Liu said. “I actually learn a lot from different games.”
Having matches against all the different opponents increases her experience as well as learn different strategies and techniques, Liu said.
Landefeld, who has been coaching women’s badminton team since 2009, said Liu is a highly competitive player and a pleasant addition to the team.
full display in her match versus Fresno City College.
“Fundamentally, she is a very good player,” Landefeld said. “Her strength lies in her agility skills, and I am very pleased with the determination she has shown for the team.”
As the newest edition to the team, Liu wants others to know that badminton has been a part of her life for a very long time.
“Although I am not an astonishing player,’ Liu said, “I just want people to know that I have been on the court for a considerable amount of time.”
With many skillful and competitive players in other schools, Liu said she hopes that she can build her skills and successfully play against other players.