Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

Badminton Pan America

Our Pan Am Coaches are the driving force behind badminton in our region. They play a crucial role in helping athletes achieve their dreams. In Barbados, Shakeira Waithe, a former badminton player, is not only a National Coach but also a Training and Development Co-ordinator. She has led the team at the 2012 Youth Commonwealth Games and the 2015 Pan Am Games.

Shakeira’s journey in badminton began at the age of seven when she was introduced to the sport by Caroline Vaughn. Four years later, she made it to the Junior National Team, representing Barbados in regional and international tournaments. Her dedication to the sport continued throughout her junior and senior career, where she had the privilege of being a member of the 2006 Commonwealth Games Team in Melbourne, Australia.

Since becoming a coach, Shakeira has set clear goals to further develop badminton in her country. She aims to provide opportunities for players of all levels to improve their skills and have the best badminton experience. Her objective is to increase the number of local players in badminton and inspire future athletes to pursue a professional career in the sport.

Being appointed as the Head Coach of the Junior National Badminton Team at the age of 27 was a significant accomplishment for Shakeira. However, she faced challenges and doubts from others, questioning her ability as a young woman with little coaching experience. But she didn’t let those comments discourage her. Instead, she used them as motivation to prove herself. With self-belief and confidence in her knowledge and abilities, Shakeira overcame every obstacle that came her way.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  News | BWF World Tour

Shakeira’s journey in badminton has been a mix of difficulties and achievements. With her determination and passion, she has built a successful career in the sport. Her experiences have shaped her into the coach she is today, and she has valuable advice to share:

“Don’t let anything or anyone hinder your passion and goals. Always believe in yourself, trust the process, and have confidence in your abilities.”

Through her inspiring journey, Shakeira continues to surpass her own goals and make a lasting impact on the world of badminton.