Badminton: St. Charles East's Kathryn Chappel and Krupa Patel prove quick studies, set for state

St. Charles East’s Kathryn Chappel and Krupa Patel have a combined three years of badminton experience.

But Chappel and Patel both were quick studies, advancing to this weekend’s state badminton singles tournament, held at Eastern Illinois University.

Chappel, a sophomore, faces off against Tina Tsai of Glenbrook North in the first round on Friday, while Patel, a junior, takes on Diya Rao of Hoffman Estates.

Chappel, who placed third in singles at the Prospect Sectional, enters the two-day state tourney with a 26-6 record. Chappel, in her first year on the varsity, said it’s been an amazing journey from a neophyte to state qualifier.

“I started playing because we played it for about two months in middle school gym, and when I heard the high school had a team, I was excited all year for tryouts,” Chappel said. “But I didn't really understand the depth of the sport until I walked into the place I decided to start training at, Midwest Badminton Club. Looking around and seeing these amazing players is a very humbling experience, but I had already decided that I wanted to be a serious badminton player.”

Patel, who placed fourth at sectionals, sports a 28-3 record. She credits her father for introducing her to badminton two years ago. Patel said her biggest highlight was playing Chappel at sectionals.

Despite being the first immediate family member to play badminton, Patel said she’s has high hopes for this weekend.

“My strength is hitting crosscourt rather than hitting the birdie straight, so I have to stay positive on the court and do my best and enjoy playing,” Patel said.

Chappel said her conditioning is a big plus, which shows up in long matches. She noted that keeping calm and not getting frustrated are key points of emphasis this weekend.

“I love the challenge of badminton,” she said. “It’s mental, it’s strategy, skill, speed and strength. There’s always something you can improve on, and it’s a lot of fun to test your own level of play against someone else.”

St. Charles East coach Tricia DeNorio said Chappel and Patel have the potential to do well at state this weekend.

“They both are great badminton players,” she said. “They have the ability to move the bird around the court very well. They have strategic moves that get their opponents off their feet.”