Lions Ready For State Return

The 2025 De Anza College Badminton team opens the new season with three straight days against elite competition.

The Mountain Lions will host San Diego Mesa College on Thursday and Pasadena City College on Friday. Then those three teams will be joined by defending state champion City College of San Francisco and another NorCal power Fresno City College at Saturday's State Preview Event at DA.

"This is one of the biggest opening weekends we have ever hosted," said De Anza head coach Mark Landefeld.

"Everyone is excited about seeing these teams in action. It may be an early indicator of how the rest of the season will take shape."

Landefeld hopes the Lions have the depth to contend for a fifth state championship.

He guided DA to 3C2A titles in 2013, 2014, 2022, and 2023.

This year's team has a mix of sophomore experience and a talented group of freshman.

The sophomores are led by Jenny Thai, Mailan Hoang Vuong, Seojin Min, and Sheila Wicaksono. The freshman are paced by Natalee Lam, Trinity Nguyen, and Karina Chow.

"This spirited group has taken on the 'us againt the world' mentality," Landefeld said.

"They really look forward to competing. It's a close-knit team and they push each other to achieve more. They are very proud to represent De Anza College."