Eve Durette Named RSEQ Badminton Athlete of the Year
Matane, Quebec – Eve Durette, a first-year student at Cégep de Matane studying Natural Sciences, has been recognized as the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) Badminton Athlete of the Year for women’s badminton. The prestigious award was presented this month, acknowledging her outstanding performance and dedication to the sport. This recognition highlights not only Durette’s individual achievements but also the success of the Capitaines athletic program at Cégep de Matane.
Durette’s journey to this honor began in Secondary 1 when she first picked up a badminton racquet, and she began competing in Secondary 3. She quickly became a key member of the Capitaines team upon her arrival at Cégep de Matane. This past winter, she participated in an impressive 10 civil and collegiate tournaments, showcasing her commitment to honing her skills and competing at a high level.
“I didn’t expect to receive such recognition,” Durette said. “I’m fortunate to have several coaches, including my parents, who are always there for me. I’m lucky to benefit from the support of a close-knit team. I am very competitive, but it’s also crucial to me to have good sportsmanship.”
A Complete Sport: Durette’s Passion for Badminton
Durette describes badminton as a “complete sport,” emphasizing its demands on muscular endurance, reflexes, cardiovascular fitness, and strategic thinking. She also highlighted the crucial role of mental fortitude, stating, “You must never be discouraged by a lost shuttlecock.” For Durette, badminton isn’t just about athletic prowess. it’s a mental escape. “It helps me clear my head and focus on my studies,” she explained, adding that she aspires to continue competing at the university level, with potential studies in the health field.
Her coach, Pascal Tremblay, praised Durette’s exemplary attitude, determination, and consistent effort. “Eve is receptive to advice and always seeks to improve her game and technique,” Tremblay stated. He further emphasized her impressive record, noting an undefeated 13-0 individual record and a 12-2 team record. Tremblay also revealed that Durette had defeated athletes ranked within the top 100 in Canada, a testament to her rising talent.
Provincial Championship Bound
Durette is preparing to compete in the provincial badminton championships, scheduled to accept place at Cégep Garneau in mid-April. She will be joined by teammate Charles Desrosiers, representing Cégep de Matane. Both athletes compete in the Division 2 league of the RSEQ, encompassing eight teams from the Québec-Chaudière-Appalaches/Est-du-Québec region: Garneau, La Pocatière, Lévis, Matane, Rimouski, Rivière-du-Loup, Sainte-Foy, and Sherbrooke.
Durette’s selection as Athlete of the Year extends beyond her team’s league; she was named the top athlete in the entire league for women’s badminton and was also named to the league’s all-star team, with one representative from each cégep.
A Triumph for the Capitaines
Alexandra Bonneau, a student life advisor at Cégep de Matane, expressed her delight at Durette’s prestigious nomination. “I haven’t seen another Capitaines athlete receive this recognition since I started in my position in 2019,” she said. Bonneau also highlighted the accomplishments of four other Capitaines athletes – Charles Desrosiers, Dorian Paris, Timéo Pruet, and Raphaëlle Tremblay – who were all named to the RSEQ all-star teams in their respective sports: men’s badminton, basketball, men’s volleyball, and women’s volleyball.
The success of these athletes underscores the strength and dedication within the Capitaines athletic program at Cégep de Matane. It’s a testament to the coaching staff, the supportive environment, and the hard work of the student-athletes themselves.
Durette’s story is one of dedication, perseverance, and a passion for the sport. As she prepares for the provincial championships, she carries with her the support of her team, her coaches, and the entire Cégep de Matane community. Her future looks bright, both on and off the badminton court, as she continues to pursue her athletic and academic goals.
The RSEQ badminton season continues to showcase the talent and dedication of student-athletes across Quebec. Fans can follow the progress of Eve Durette and Charles Desrosiers at the upcoming provincial championships at Cégep Garneau in mid-April. Further updates and results will be available on the RSEQ Badminton website.
