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Sting Hire Duong to Continue Tradition of Success

Sting Hire Duong to Continue Tradition of Success

The Seneca Sting are thrilled to announce the hiring of Liz Duong as the Badminton head coach.

Duong has a wealth of experience as both a coach and a student-athlete, earning accolades at the highest levels in each. Duong has coached multiple student-athletes to the podium at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championships while also reaching the sports’ post-secondary summit in women’s doubles (2018).

“Liz has been successful at every level in her badminton career, both as a player and as a coach” said John Sharpe, Manager, Varsity and Operations. “Liz’s personality and attitude is infectious, and we look forward to seeing the team continue to develop under Liz’s guidance.”

Prior to joining the Sting, Duong had coaching stops at Conestoga College and Centennial College where she guided student-athletes to national gold, silver and bronze medals. In addition, Duong led three other individual teams to the CCAA National Championships while also capturing nine Ontario Colleges Athletic Association medals.

These experiences have provided Duong with several learning opportunities which she incorporates into her approach to coaching.

“I’ve learned that consistency, accountability, and integrity are habits you demonstrate every day, in every game, and in every practice. I’ve also learned the value of truly listening to the people you’re leading. Whether it’s an athlete, a colleague, or a parent, the importance of empathy and clear communication is crucial in building trust and respect.”

Outside of collegiate badminton, Duong has coached at the youth level including at Lakefield College and the Peterborough Badminton Club and sees the importance of giving back to the sport at the youth level.

“Giving back to the sport is my way of honoring the coaches and mentors who shaped me. I see the importance of shaping confident, disciplined, and well-rounded individuals. This only happens outside of their comfort zone, so I encourage them to go out there, give it their best and make those mistakes to be able to learn from them! It's not only just about skills and competition, but also about teaching values like teamwork, respect, resilience, and a love for the game.”

As a student-athlete, Duong captured a CCAA National Championship in women’s doubles (Chloe Rowe) at the end of the 2017-18 season and followed it up a year later with a bronze medal at the OCAA Championships in mixed doubles (Harry Cotaras). It is these experiences which provide Duong with a unique perspective when working with high-level student-athletes, especially in pressure-packed situations.

“Being in their shoes as a student-athlete, I understand the pressure, the juggle with life-study-training, the mental ups and downs, and the importance of preparation both on and off the court. I’ve learned how to manage time effectively, stay composed under stress, and maintain focus in situations like being down in a game and fighting for that come back.”

Through each of her experiences as a player, coach and administrator, Duong has learned and grown as an individual, preparing her to lead one of the top badminton programs in the country.

Tryouts for the Badminton team will commence in the second week of September. The Sting will host the OCAA Championships in February in the Magna Hall Gym at King Campus.

The Seneca Sting Badminton team has captured 11 national championships, 10 CCAA silver medals and 12 CCAA bronze medals. At the OCAA Championships, the Sting has won 40 individual championships and 12 team championships.