El Camino College Launches New Badminton Club, Building Community Through Sport
Club Quickly Gains Popularity, Drawing Dozens of Students to Weekly Sessions
El Camino College has a new student-run institution on campus: the Badminton Club. In just its third meeting,the club has already attracted significant interest,wiht 28 people participating in a recent session. Organizers anticipate even more members in the coming weeks.
From Fitness Class to Flourishing Club
The club’s creation is attributed to Marisela Gomez, 30, a high school substitute teacher and club secretary, along with her sister Maria. Gomez, who had been taking fitness classes at El Camino College as the fall of 2023, found a particular passion for badminton.
“My sister and I really love the class,” Gomez said. “So we talked to coach David Levin, and he said we didn’t have the club. So I decided to start the process of making the club.”
Doubles Play Accommodates Growing interest
During club meetings, players engage in doubles matches to accommodate the growing number of participants. The sound of rubber soles and the sharp thwack of shuttlecocks fill the ECC Gym Complex twice a week.
Meeting Times and Location
The El camino College Badminton Club meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the ECC Gym Complex.All skill levels are welcome.
El Camino College Launches First-Ever Badminton Club
El Camino college students now have a new avenue to pursue their passion for badminton.The college officially recognized its first Badminton Club in December 2024,offering students a dedicated space to learn,practice,and compete in the sport.
From Idea to reality: The Birth of the ECC Badminton Club
Spearheaded by student Marisela Gomez, with support from members of the women’s badminton team, the Badminton club was established to meet student demand.Gomez and her team worked diligently to craft the club’s constitution, secure access to the college gymnasium, and navigate the official request process.
Filling a Void: A Hub for badminton Enthusiasts
According to ECC badminton coach David Levin, this is the first badminton club to be created at El Camino College.While badminton is offered as a team sport and within the curriculum, this club provides an additional prospect for students to engage with the sport.
Badminton Basics: A Sport for All Skill Levels
Badminton, a racquet sport with roots in India, shares similarities with tennis and pickleball. The objective is to score points by landing the shuttlecock, also known as a “birdie,” on the opponent’s side of the court. A game is won by the first player to reach 21 points, and matches are typically “best out of three” games.
The ECC Badminton Club welcomes players of all skill levels to join and experience the fun and fitness benefits of this dynamic sport.
Badminton’s Popularity Soars, Riding Olympic Wave
Badminton, already a global favorite, is experiencing a surge in popularity in the United States, fueled in part by its presence at the Olympic Games.
From British Roots to Global Phenomenon
The sport’s origins trace back to British army officers in India during the 1860s. It was later introduced in England, taking its name from Badminton House, the estate of the Duke of Beaufort, where a lawn party in 1873 showcased the game to his friends.
Global Reach and Growing US Interest
Badminton ranks as the world’s second most popular sport with significant followings in Asian countries like China, Thailand, and Indonesia. Now, interest is rapidly growing in the United States.
Olympic Spark: Google Searches Reflect Badminton Boom
Data from Google Trends shows a noticeable increase in badminton-related searches between july and August 2024. This spike in interest coincides with the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where badminton is a featured sport.
El Camino College Badminton Club Sees Surge in membership
TORRANCE,Calif.– The El Camino College Badminton Club is experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting a diverse range of students from teenagers to adults in their 50s. The club offers a welcoming habitat for players of all skill levels, fostering a sense of community and fun.
Beginner-Pleasant Badminton
Experience is not a requirement to join the Badminton Club. El Camino College provides all the necessary equipment, including racquets and shuttles, making it accessible for newcomers to try out the sport. Members are only required to bring appropriate athletic shoes.
Club’s Growth and Engagement
The Badminton Club’s presence at the spring 2025 Club Rush proved to be a major success, with over 76 people signing up over two days. Montila Winyaworapon, a kinesiology major and member of the ECC badminton team who also serves as the club’s ICC representative, noted the high level of interest, stating that many students were intrigued by the sport and enjoyed participating.
Community and Camaraderie
The Badminton Club prides itself on its inclusive atmosphere. Maja Mandic, 50, a language academy student, praised the club’s welcoming environment, emphasizing the importance of having fun regardless of skill level.
Vital Reminder
The club’s Instagram account reminds members through its posts that black-soled shoes are prohibited because they can damage the court surface. These shoes leave marks that are tough to remove.
El Camino College badminton Club Gains Momentum Through Student Initiative
TORRANCE,Calif. – El Camino College’s newly formed badminton club is gaining traction, providing students with an outlet for recreation and skill advancement. Founded by Marisela gomez, the club transforms the campus gymnasium into a vibrant hub for badminton enthusiasts.
Badminton Club Fills a Recreational Niche at El Camino
The badminton club meets regularly, converting the gymnasium into six temporary courts where players engage in both doubles matches and individual practice. Students of all skill levels are welcome, creating a welcoming environment for both seasoned players and beginners.
Student Founder Hopes for Lasting Impact
club founder, Marisela Gomez, expressed hope that the badminton club will become a lasting fixture at El Camino College. “My hope is that it continues, that it’s not just a one-semester event,” Gomez stated, emphasizing the importance of student involvement in sustaining the club’s momentum.
Community and Skill Development on the court
The atmosphere at the badminton club is one of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm. Players pair off for doubles, while others practice their swings and services, fostering a sense of community and providing a space for skill development. The club provides fitness and fun for students.
