Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Crystal Hwang

Sophomore badminton player Crystal Hwang has benefited from being the youngest sibling in her family. Her brothers and sister, Austin, Alex, and Leena, set the bar very high in regards to accomplishments both in the classroom and on the athletic field at Oswego East. While Crystal has benefited from having them to talk to about obstacles, difficulties, and successes, she has managed to forge her own path in the two short years at Oswego East, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Crystal's interest in badminton came from watching her older sister Leena (class of 2015) play while Crystal was in junior high. Despite outsiders not always giving the challenges and difficulty of badminton its fair credit, Crystal enjoys the idea of competing in something that is highly challenging.

"I know it's a difficult sport, although it's not always viewed that way, but I want to accomplish something that is difficult," says Crystal.

Crystal also credits the bond with her teammates as one of the things she likes most about the sport. "We are super close, even outside of badminton, and I've been able to make some of my best friends in high school because of the badminton team," she says.

First-year head coach Jill Albright is someone Crystal believes has made a major impact in cultivating the close bond of the team. "The team is very close," says Jill. She goes on to add, "Many of the girls played together last year on JV and I encouraged the team early in the season to be an example to the lower levels. [Crystal and her teammates] get together and hang out after practices and meets, which has helped the team grow [in closeness]."

Crystal pulls double duty for the badminton team, playing in the #1 singles spot and the #2 doubles team. "Doubles and singles are two different types of games," says Jill. She goes on to add, "Each requires different skill and strategy. Crystal does a great job with both positions. She is very coachable and never gives up no matter the odds."

This past weekend the badminton team competed at the conference tournament, and although their 4th place team finish was lower than anticipated, there is no doubt Crystal and her teammates will bounce back this weekend at the sectional tournament. Crystal and her partner, Kayla Bumalay, were able to secure a 3rd place finish in the doubles tournament, and Crystal also earned a 3rd place finish as a #1 singles. On the season, Crystal won the #1 singles tournament at Metea Valley and has earned the #2 singles seed for sectionals this weekend.

In the classroom, Crystal is just as impressive as she is on the court. She has earned a 4.296 G.P.A. in three semesters of work and is already taking advanced placement courses in microeconomics and U.S. History as a sophomore.

Still two years away from graduation, Crystal is highly interested in attending BYU and majoring in the STEM field with a focus on business. "Crystal's older siblings, Austin and Leena, recently graduated last week with majors in Computer Science and Supply Chain Management, respectively," says Jan and Abraham Hwang, Crystal's parents. He goes on to add, "Their success has inspired Crystal to follow down a similar path in her future, which is why she is interested in a STEM or business field."

Crystal's relationship with Leena has helped her in both badminton and academics. "Leena set forth a great example during her high school career, and Crystal is determined to not only follow in her footsteps but create her own set of accomplishments," says Jan and Abraham. They go on to add, “[Leena and Crystal] often talk on the phone, and Crystal tends to get good advice and strategies from her sister.

This Thursday the badminton team will compete in the sectional tournament, and one of Crystal's goals for the season is to make it down to the state tournament as a singles player, something she fell just short of last season. With two more years left after this season, Crystal has positioned herself as having success not only as an individual, but being an experienced leader the team can count on for younger players. Crystal is looking forward to continuing to experience all OE has to offer, and advises future Wolves to do the same by saying, "Don't miss out on events, and make the most of your time here."