A queen of two courts—whether she’s dancing at the homecoming festivities or smashing the birdie at a badminton match, senior Maureen Andersen can overcome almost any challenge and will thus be leaving a legacy at South, according to Teresa Kimura, varsity badminton coach.
To wrap up the season with a record of 4-3 at number one singles, Kimura proudly acknowledges that Andersen’s senior year was her best.
Andersen’s skills aren’t the only component to her game. According to Kimura, Andersen exemplifies true character on the court and after a match.
“I’ve never had a player that other players come up to me and say how nice she is,” Kimura said. “When other coaches and players come up to me, it’s something special.”
Andersen’s bubbly and energetic personality is contagious, as stated by Kimura. In agreement, Andersen’s co-captain Colleen Lynch appreciates the support she brings to the team.
“During practice if I blow shots, I yell at myself and she will stop and say all these really nice qualities about [me] that are completely irrelevant to the game,” Lynch said. “She makes you remember how good you are.”
In addition to the obliging complements, Andersen won a Sportsmanship award in 2013, granted to her by Kimura.
“One of my goals is to be kind to everyone, even the people I compete against,” Andersen said. “It made me thrilled to know that I won that award.”
Andersen’s hard work and loyalty to the team, Lynch believes, is why Andersen fit the position of captain so well.
“[Being captain] is nice because people listen to you,” Andersen said. “We’re respected but [are] still equal to everybody in the same way, which I like.”
Besides the daily duties of a captain, Andersen and Lynch run ‘Fun Fridays’, which are fun alternatives to practice, such as zumba fitness, for the team to enjoy, according to Andersen. Dancing is also a part of Andersen’s daily life as captain of De La Cru. According to Andersen, being captain of De La Cru is an incredible commitment, but like most of her commitments, she puts her all into it in order to create the best product.
“What a lot of people don’t know is the work the team puts into the dances,” Andersen said. “Not only do we make up the dances but we create the mixes and the formations. As captain, it takes a lot of organization and cooperation with the team.”
Andersen also channels her zeal and enthusiasm towards being a Pep Club leader. Andersen said that being in Pep Club is important to her because as an athlete, she can recognize how important support from fans is to a team.
“Being in a sport myself, it is nice to see that people appreciate your hard work and are there to support you,” Andersen said. “[The leaders and I] believe that Pep Club helps make our school feel more welcoming and like a close community.”
Similarly, Kimura noticed this side to her at the very start, saying Andersen makes a tremendous difference on the team through her enthusiasm.
“Andersen [is] always positive and is up and smiling,” Kimura said. “She impacts me because I come and I’m dragging or not in a great mood, and I just look at her. You can’t be in a bad mood when you look at her.”
Andersen will be attending the University of Kentucky in the fall and expects to remain active throughout college, but she will ultimately miss the concept of a team, as well as motivation to develop as an athlete.
“I’m going to miss playing and improving,” Andersen said. “I won’t be playing on a team, so I’ll miss that.”
Through all of her activities, Andersen said her main goal is to be a model for others to look up to and to inspire them to get involved at South.
“I wanted to be a good role model to the underclassmen just like past seniors were role models to me,” Andersen said. “It’s a ripple effect. I want everyone to feel as if they are welcome at and a part of GBS.”
