It was something Alan Han used to do just for fun with his dad - playing badminton in Flushing Meadows Park as a kid.

“We played a lot of badminton outdoors, in the afternoon and even into the dark,” Han remembered.

What You Need To Know

  • The badminton season was cancelled due to the pandemic but Alan Han still held practices because he wants the team to continue to build their skill and come out strong for many more years to come

  • Han is a ranked badminton athlete whose coaching helped the team win the 2019 PSAL Championships

  • When he's not playing badminton, Han loves all things science and hopes to pursue that path through college at the University of Pennsylvania

The Hunter College High School Senior is the co-captain of the badminton team and an individual's tournament-ranked player. Han looks back now knowing those late nights in the park paid off.

“That’s where I got a lot of my reaction as well as not giving up any shot,” he said. “There’s no net, there’s no court. So it’s really up to you to keep each shot alive.”

Han joined the team his freshman year. After facing defeat in his city championship match sophomore year, Han put in extra effort, hoping to finish on top his next season.

Leading as a captain, he quickly discovered the power of building not only himself, but the entire team - and the Hawks came away with the 2019 championship victory.

“I might not be the best singles player in New York City or even in our division but it was really comforting to know that I could do a good job of helping other people,” Han said. “In the end, though it sounds cheesy, it got us that championship.”

The COVID-19 pandemic took away Han’s chance at repeating the title, however, using zoom, Han worked to keep his team motivated.

“That’s what I tried to accomplish this past spring too. Just keeping players working hard and still loving the sport,” Han said.

While keeping up team practices, Han was also enrolled in three advanced placement courses including AP Physics. His love of science inspired him to join the science Olympiad. Like most students, Han tries to remain engaged and upbeat, despite classes being limited to a computer screen.

“I think I would trade the commute for a chance to see my friends and some sort of normalcy,” Han commented.

Even without a senior badminton season, Han plans to continue playing the sport at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. Hoping to leave behind a stronger Hunter College High School team.

“I can take encouragement in knowing that we are doing our best, so that the team after us can continue to be strong,” Han said.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article misstated the college he’ll be attending. It’s the University of Pennsylvania, not Penn State.