Caribbean International Open Champion, Ramdhani, joins Broncos badminton team

The Olds College Broncos badminton coaching staff have been busy over the last six months with retention and recruitment as the program reaches a state of stability that it hasn't had in recent years. The coaching staff have signed five new recruits for this upcoming season to join three returning student-athletes. Red Deer's Alex Boulier and Wilkie, SK's Rylan Head return from last year's team and will be joined by Gleichen, AB's Layce Donaldson who is returning after a year away from Olds College.

This year's recruiting class includes three women, one of which is a dual-sport student-athlete and another who is moving from Guyana to attend Olds College) and two men.

Here's what you need to know about these recruits, in the second of these articles we will highlight with international badminton student-athlete Priyanna Ramdhani:

Priyanna Ramdhani: 5'9"

Hometown: Georgetown, Guyana

2018/19 club: Yonex Badminton Club

Academic Program: Sports Management

Why did you choose Olds College: "After playing badminton for years and gaining medals in multiple tournaments and also being Guyana's Top Female Badminton player, I caught the eye of the Olds College Broncos and was offered a scholarship. I chose to attend Olds College because they have given me a great opportunity to further my education in Sports Management leading to achieve a diploma and also allow me to fulfill my goal of taking charge of a Badminton club. Attending Olds College will also allow me to compete and train among players of Canada allowing me to develop my skills in badminton and also help me move forward to participate in the Olympic Games in 2024, which has been my main goal for a while. I hope to win for the Olds College Broncos and I will try my best to get that first place at the ACAC and other tournaments with my father/coach, coach Mary and my teammates by my side."

Head Coach Mary Smith's analysis: "Priyanna is a force on the courts, winning a triple crown (gold in all badminton categories) at the Caribbean games this past year, and ranked 1 in Guyana. Priyanna has grown up with badminton since she was a young girl having her father as her coach and her brother as a team mate.  Priyanna has a champions heart on and off the court. Her positive attitude, determination, commitment to her studies, and support of her team mates exemplifies what it is to be a Bronco student athlete. Priyanna also has her sights on the Olympics and we are here to help her achieve her dream. Olds College Broncos Badminton team is thrilled to have Priyanna join  the team this season."

Accolades and achievements:

Guyana Current National Junior Ranking No.1

Guyana Current National Senior Ranking No.1

CAREBACO International Current Under-19 Ranking No.1 (Triple Champion)

CAREBACO Regional Under-17 Rankings No.1 (2018) Triple Champion

CAREBACO International Under-19 Ranking No. 1 (2018)

South American Junior Ranking No. 4 (2017)

Guyana's Junior Sportswoman of the Year 2011

Guyana's Runner-up Junior Sportswoman of the Year 2012

Guyana's Junior Sportswoman of the Year 2018

To learn more about Olds College, the Olds College Broncos and the badminton teams go to gobroncos.ca; like the Facebook page and follow @OldsBroncos on Twitter and Instagram.

Portions of this article were taken from Newsroom Guyana - https://newsroom.gy/2019/09/24/badminton-standout-priyanna-ramdhani-secures-scholarship-in-canada/?fbclid=IwAR1eoxwGuBmROleQVO7VdzeH3FhhsSROgnVvyQ1r3j6iCUC6ptlz56J5AI4