Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Crystal Hwang

When Jill Albright decided to step away as the head badminton coach at the end of this season in order to watch her daughter, who will be a freshman next year, participate in high school badminton, she was undoubtedly hoping for a successful last season. Because of seniors like Crystal Hwang, Coach Albright and the lady Wolves accomplished a feat no other team in school history had done before. Crystal’s leadership and talent helped the Wolves win conference for the first time in school history, which is why she is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Having had last season taken away from them because of the pandemic meant this would be the last opportunity for Crystal and her class of 2021 teammates to achieve their personal and team goals. “We really wanted to go undefeated and win the conference for Coach Albright’s last season,” says Crystal.

Coach Albright knew what type of leadership and talent Crystal had, having placed in the top 24 in the state as a sophomore. “Crystal is a valuable part of the team due to her maturity, knowledge of the sport, and team expectations,” says Jill.

Crystal, along with senior teammate Maddy Perry, needed to go above and beyond at the beginning of this year after Coach Albright was sidelined for a couple of weeks. “At the beginning of the season I had to quarantine because I was in close contact with someone that had covid,” says Jill. She goes on to add, “Crystal and Maddy were able to take my practice plans and run practices for me for the time I was out. I knew that she would make sure that the expectations that I had were being followed through even when I couldn’t be there.”

Badminton has allowed Crystal to both gain friendships and mature as a person. “One of the greatest privileges we have had as parents has been to watch Crystal develop into a mature, confident individual,” says Jan Hwang, Crystal’s mother. Jan goes on to say. “Like all freshman, Crystal came into Oswego East trying to figure out who she is and how could contribute. he certainly found her place in her sports, specifically badminton. Badminton taught Crystal patience, hard work, and time management. Crystal found her place within sports and among her teammates. We are so grateful that Oswego East gave Crystal the opportunity to succeed in both academics and extracurriculars by providing wonderful role models in the form of teachers and coaches. Without mentorship from such adults, Crystal would not be the person she is today.”

Crystal’s growth and maturity led to her a 22-3 record on the season, winning conference as a singles player and second doubles team, placing 2nd at sectionals, and finishing in the top 16 in the state this season.

Her loss at state reveals the type of character and person Crystal has developed into as a senior. “Her last badminton match at state this year was very close, and we were all understandably disappointed when she lost,” says Jan. She goes on to say, “However, when asked how she felt later, Crystal simply said that she was proud that she placed better than the last time she was at state. She told us her only goal is to work hard to be a better person and competitor than before.”

Crystal’s continued goal of self-improvement extends to all phases of her life, including the classroom. Crystal has earned a 4.48 G.P.A., a 31 on the ACT, and will be attending BYU this fall to major in electrical engineering.

Anthony Holub, Crystal’s teacher for a number of STEM classes, says, “Crystal has an amazing, quiet confidence in everything she pursues in the classroom.” He goes on to add, “She is driven to better herself and others and always provides excellent detail and analysis in her work. Electrical engineering requires a commitment to excellence and requires an outstanding work ethic. Crystal possesses both of these attributes in abundance. In addition, electoral engineering is a challenging field, necessitating a keen intellect and strong application and synthesis skills-considerable strengths for Crystal as well.”

In just a little over a month, this Crystal will move on from East to the next step of her education but advises future Wolves by saying, “Make sure you balance your life. You need to have a good social life, make time for friends, study well in academics, focus on your mental health, and get in a good habit of working out or meditation to help ease your mind.” We wish Crystal the best of luck at BYU in the fall.