JOLIET, IL – A recent era is dawning for Joliet Central High School badminton, as Gia Gomez steps into the role of head coach. The Steelmen, coming off a seventh-place finish at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Finals last season, are looking to maintain their competitive edge under Gomez’s leadership. The transition comes as veteran coach Lisa Luangsomkham moves into a new role as assistant athletic director at Joliet Central.
Gomez isn’t entering the position without experience. She’s been an assistant coach with the program for several seasons, witnessing firsthand the success the Steelmen have achieved. “It’s been good, but I have huge shoes to fill,” Gomez said, acknowledging the legacy Luangsomkham built. “Lisa is a great presence, and I owe it to her and the school to give it my all and set in all the hard work that she did for years. Lisa knows the community and is such a big figure here. Last year was a great season for her to go out on, and she’s been available to help me.”
The team recently hosted its 16th annual Birds of Steel Tournament on March 21st, a competition that drew some of the state’s top talent, including Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA), which finished fifth at state last year. Metea Valley, another perennial contender, also participated. The tournament provided a valuable early-season test for Joliet Central.
Metea Valley ultimately won the Birds of Steel Tournament with 31 points, followed closely by IMSA with 30 points. Joliet Central secured a respectable third-place finish with 25 points, competing against Plainfield South (20 points), Lincoln-Way West (17 points), Romeoville (11 points), Joliet West (3 points), and Plainfield East (3 points). The tournament showcased the depth of competition within the region and the state.
Despite the graduation of Analiese Gudeman and Audrey Rodriguez, a doubles team that placed in the Top 12 at state last season, the Steelmen have several players poised to make an impact. Senior Daisy Heredia, who moved up to the No. 2 singles position last year, expressed optimism about the season. “Last year, I started at No. 5 singles and moved up to No. 2,” Heredia said. “This (Birds of Steel) was our first tournament, and I was pretty impressed, even if I didn’t finish where I wanted to be. Coach Gomez was my JV coach, so I know her and I expect good things. This tournament gives me experience. I just wish to win more medals, get better, and hopefully get to state.”
Senior Sarai Contreras, a state qualifier last year after winning the sectional singles title, also looks to build on her previous success. At the Birds of Steel Tournament, Contreras finished second in first singles, falling to IMSA senior Dhivija Challa. IMSA sophomore Catherine Wang secured the second singles title.
In doubles play, Ja’Mya Chestnut and Erika Saenz-Lata, a senior duo, placed second in first doubles at the Birds of Steel Tournament. They advanced to state last season, losing to Gudeman and Rodriguez. The Metea Valley team of Saanvi Gupta and Medha Kotagiri won the first doubles title. Metea Valley also claimed the third doubles championship with the pairing of Sameera Waghmare and Sofia Pirzada, defeating Joliet Central seniors Alyson Contreras and Jael Vivanco.
Alyson Contreras and Jael Vivanco, cousins, are eager to continue their partnership after reuniting on the court. “We only lost the one match all day,” Alyson Contreras said. “My partner Jael and I have experience playing with each other, and we picked up where we left off. We had played together as freshmen, and now we’re back after two years. We were excited to be back together. We are very compatible with each other.”
The Steelmen continued their strong start to the season by placing second at the Rolling Meadows Doubles Delight Tournament on March 21st. The first and fourth doubles teams secured first-place finishes, while the second, fifth, and seventh doubles duos each earned second-place honors.
Gomez, who celebrated her 26th birthday on the day of the Birds of Steel Tournament, is focused on building upon the program’s existing foundation. She credits her own high school coach, Ryan Pohlmann of Lincoln-Way Central, for shaping her coaching philosophy. “I’ve been blessed to be around so many supportive people,” Gomez said. “I feel very lucky to be here with this amazing group of student athletes, who get here at 5 AM for practice. I’m really just trying to continue the strong foundation here. We want to rise to the occasion and keep that same level of success.”
Joliet Central badminton is clearly poised for another competitive season. With a new coach at the helm and a dedicated group of athletes, the Steelmen are determined to continue their tradition of excellence. The team’s next challenge will be [information not available in source material – future schedule details to be confirmed].
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on Joliet Central badminton and the IHSA state tournament as the season progresses.
