After a few doubles matches together at the start of last badminton season, Riverside Brookfield High School seniors Aubrey Kaczmarek and Rhea McDonald began playing together a lot this offseason.
The result was a lot of first-place finishes and enthusiasm for what might be.
“I think we definitely did both improve (from last season),” Kaczmarek said.
“As a team doubles, we definitely had some bumps to figure out but now we’ve figured them out and we’re really strong this year.”
They’re among the reasons for optimism for the Bulldogs, who last year finished seventh in the one-division Upstate Eight Conference with a 5-6 dual record.
Other team members are seniors Natalie Alexander, Alterra Bonete, Andrea Casales, Sophie Fingerhut, Greta Huns and Ava Wallish, juniors Carolina Busch Avery Mendoza, Stella Pichman, Alicia Roman, and Sophie Simpson and sophomores Demetra Foster and Mariana Lozano.
“I like how our team communicates a lot. We want to make sure everybody’s on top of stuff and does their part, always encouraging each other,” McDonald said.
At last year’s sectional, Kaczmarek and the doubles team of McDonald and Lozano were 1-2 with victories in the consolation bracket.
Kaczmarek also played sectional doubles with graduated Clare Ruska in 2024 and usually played No. 1 singles and doubles as a junior.
“Aubrey is a four-year returner who brings experience and sets a great example for younger players. The top players push each other in practice and set the tone in practice,” RBHS coach Dan Herbeck said.
“(Our goal is) improve every time we take the floor. Our top players can be competitive in most of our matches. Our team success will depend on our newcomers putting in the work practice and improving throughout the season.”
McDonald was promoted to varsity halfway through her freshman year. At last year’s UEC Meet, McDonald finished third at No. 4 singles and Lozano was third at No. 5 singles.
Besides their hopes for doubles success, Kaczmarek and McDonald want to set the tone for the program, especially the newcomers.
“We’re going to try and push that mindset into trying harder because going against the same schools it’s not always going to be easy to win. You have to be determined,” McDonald said.
LTHS badminton
Following her strong 2025 season, Lyons Township senior Sylwia Siebiesiuk has realized the importance of focusing on fun.
“Junior year, I was very focused on winning and qualifying for state. This would often leave me under a lot of stress and burnt out, which made me lose matches a lot,” Siebiesiuk said.
“In my senior year, I don’t want to focus solely on winning. At the end of the day, it’s a sport, and it’s all for fun. Going to college next year makes me want to look back on this season with fun memories, not just being stressed out all the time.”
The Lions have the elements of success and fun as their junior-dominated lineup blends returnees with several newcomers.
Other team members are seniors Abby Allen, Juliet Dillenbeck, Luci Mini and Katherine Seiple and juniors Sophia Dalgety, Emma Garcia, Makayla Genovesi, Jenny Girgis, Carolina Gonzalez, Ella Gryfakis, Olivia Lara, Abigail Skipper and Cynthia Trevino.
“Our greatest strength is our unified team culture,” LTHS coach Stephanie Spytek said. “While we have a lot of new talent and are still defining our lineup, the foundation of this group is built on a relentless work ethic and genuine kindness toward one another.”
In 2025, the Lions finished fourth in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division with a 2-3 dual record.
At last year’s sectional, Siebiesiuk and the doubles team of Dalgety and Gryfakis both finished 1-2 with Siebiesiuk winning her opening match.
In girls tennis this past fall, Dalgety earned her first state berth in doubles and went 0-2.
“Our primary goal is collective growth. We want to see every player improve their technical skills and court awareness from one week to the next. More importantly, we aim to be the most supportive team in the conference,” Spytek said.
“Success for us will be defined by consistency and chemistry. Maintaining our high standard of effort in every practice and continuing to prioritize our teammates’ success.”