NAIT Athletes of the Week Oct 12-18

October 20, 2009

L - R: Joey Vandervent, Sun Yang, Natalie Neuman.

Male
Joey Vandervet, Badminton
Joey had an exceptional start to the ACAC badminton season this past weekend. He posted a 3-1 record in Men's singles, only losing to the eventual event winner. He then went on to win both the Men's Doubles and Mixed-Doubles events with partner's Joey Vandervet and Sinead Cheah. The 2nd year Medical Radiology Student was a true leader for the Ooks all weekend both on and off the court. "Being a defending Nationals champion has put a target on Joey's back but his play this past weekend shows that he is ready for all challengers and is willing to put the work in to repeat as a National champion", said NAIT coach Jordan Richey. Joey posted an overall match record of 10-1.

Female
Sun Yang, Badminton
Sun Yang won the Women's Singles and Doubles events this past weekend at the first ACAC tournament of the season at MRU. After battling several injuries last year, Yang served notice that she is once again the woman to beat in ACAC badminton this season. She breezed through the competition without even dropping a set in singles and doubles. Yang, the 3rd year Business student also placed 5th in mixed-doubles and finished the tournament with a 10-1 record. "Yang was dominant this weekend and it was a joy to watch her play again when she is healthy" said NAIT Coach Jordan Richey. "She is a great ambassador for our sport, our college and the ACAC."

Natalie Neumann, Badminton
Natalie, a 4th year Business student had a stellar weekend at the first ACAC badminton tournament of the season. She finished 4th in Women's singles, 2nd in Women's Doubles and 6th in Mixed-doubles. The highlight of her weekend came in the Women's Singles event where she defeated a former CCAA Nationals silver medalist. Natalie is the co-captain for the Ooks 1st place team and her play this weekend inspired her teammates and coaches. "Natalie continues to surprise me." said NAIT Coach Jordan Richey. "She always finds ways to motivate herself. Her play this weekend was amazing and our coaching staff is so proud of what she is accomplishing".