Seniors Luna McNally and Clare Ruska were the lone sophomores on the senior-heavy 2023 Riverside Brookfield High School badminton team. Perhaps it’s fitting that they’re together again as a doubles team for the first time since those varsity debuts.
“I feel like we always keep each other going, never give up when it’s really close or really tight,” Ruska said. “It was definitely an idea [after last season]. We played before so I thought the chemistry would be good. We know how each other plays.”
They and junior Aubrey Kaczmarek return from last year’s sectional lineup for the Bulldogs, who again have a large senior group but not much varsity experience.
“Honestly, [I hope for] just having fun, a lot of bonding time,” Ruska said. “Also winning, but just making new friends, having those bonds for almost your life.”
In doubles at the 2024 Naperville North Sectional, Ruska and Kaczmarek (19-12) played together and McNally was paired with graduated Bella Annoreno (14-17). Both were 0-2. As a sophomore, McNally was 0-2 at sectionals in singles.
“I like playing [doubles] with Clare because she’s always really enthusiastic and she always keeps my spirts up. I think that’s really important for a game setting,” McNally said. “Everybody, really, is passionate about badminton. Also people on the team are good about not giving up. I think that resilience is really good.”
Riverside-Brookfield’s Luna McNally and Clare Ruska enjoy a laugh together between points during their match against Glenbard East Monday, March 17, 2025 in Riverside. (Steve Johnston) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Aubrey Kaczmarek returns a shot against Glenbard East Monday, March 17, 2025 in Riverside. (Steve Johnston) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Rhea McDonald plays number two doubles with Aubrey Kaczmarek during their match against Glenbard East Monday, March 17, 2025 in Riverside. (Steve Johnston) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Aubrey Kaczmarek plays number two doubles with Rhea McDonald during their match against Glenbard East Monday, March 17, 2025 in Riverside. (Steve Johnston) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Clare Ruska returns a shot against Glenbard East Monday, March 17, 2025 in Riverside. (Steve Johnston) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Luna McNally plays number one doubles with Clare Ruska during their match against Glenbard East Monday, March 17, 2025 in Riverside. (Steve Johnston) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s coach Dan Herbeck talks with the number one double team of Luna McNally and Clare Ruska during their match against Glenbard East Monday, March 17, 2025 in Riverside. (Steve Johnston)
Junior Rhea McDonald also has varsity experience while the rest of the lineup will consist of several newcomers. That includes freshman Mariana Lozano and sophomore Paloma Mendoza, also projected as a doubles pair, and juniors Maribelle Lopresti and Maddie Domanowski.
“[Ruska, McNally and Kaczmarek] are our returners so we’ll look for their leadership to try and bring the younger players along,” RBHS coach Dan Herbeck said.
“[Providing leadership] definitely is different because we’ve had role models the last three years,” McNally said. “We didn’t really know anybody [as sophomores] so now it’s really different because we’re supposed to be the role models for everybody else. That’s just kind of a weird feeling, but it’s fun.”
The Bulldogs now are part of the Upstate Eight Conference. Monday’s season-opening home triangular was against conference foes South Elgin and Glenbard East.
“With our new conference, we’ve upgraded our schedule. We are hoping it will pay off by sectionals,” Herbeck said. “Our team goals are to compete in every match and get better throughout the year.”
LTHS badminton
Lyons Township senior Mia Graziano has been to the state meet twice and seniors Simone Brown and Audrey Shell once. It’s the kind of experience that will fuel the Lions.
“I’m excited about the potential of our players. The team has a solid foundation with several senior players stepping up to lead,” said second-year LTHS coach Stephanie Spytek. “Our three state-level players, in particular, bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the court. Their leadership and skill sets the tone for the entire team and offers guidance both on and off the court to the younger players.”
At the 2024 state meet, Graziano and Brown (23-21) finished 1-2 in doubles after qualifying with a fourth-place York Sectional finish.
At 2023 state, Graziano was 1-2 in doubles with 2023 graduate Sofia Garcia and Shell was 0-2 in singles. Last year, Shell was sixth at sectionals, one singles consolation victory from returning to state.
Tessa Kochanek is the only other senior. Juniors Abigail Allen, Frankie Cooper, Juliet Dillenbeck, Luci Mini and Sylwia Siebiesiuk and sophomores Sophia Gonzalez, Sophia Dalgety and Ellia Gryfakis also will compete for the Lions.
“Our main goal for the season is to continue building on this strong leadership and foster a sense of unity and teamwork,” Spytek said.
“We are focused on improving both our individual skills and overall strategy as a team. We also want to ensure that each player grows in their ability and confidence. With the experience and determination of our athletes, I’m confident we’re on the right path to achieving great things.”