Guo hopes to lead Wolverines to back-to-back KingCo tournament titles

Bellevue junior earned second place in KingCo singles tournament in 2017.

By Shaun Scott • April 9, 2018 12:08 pm
Shaun Scott, staff photo Bellevue Wolverines junior badminton player Melinda Guo is one of the team captains in 2018. Guo captured second place at the 2017 KingCo singles badminton tournament.
Shaun Scott, staff photo Bellevue Wolverines junior badminton player Melinda Guo is one of the team captains in 2018. Guo captured second place at the 2017 KingCo singles badminton tournament.

Bellevue Wolverines girls badminton player Melinda Guo will never forget what her team achieved during the 2017 season.

The Wolverines captured first place at the KingCo badminton tournament in early May, completing an undefeated season. The Wolverines were able to conquer the Newport Knights and Interlake Saints in the tourney, which are consistently their biggest rivals. The KingCo badminton tournament is the season finale as there is no state tournament at this time for the sport.

“It was really satisfying because most of the time Newport and Interlake have really good reputations and usually have most of the strong players. Bellevue hadn’t won KingCo (title) in badminton in quite a long time. It was really great,” Guo said.

Guo, who captured second place in the KingCo singles tournament last season, hopes her team can win the KingCo tournament for the second consecutive season this May. The Wolverines currently have an overall record of 3-2 through five games. Newport has a 5-0 undefeated record in early season action.

“Our goal is to, of course, win KingCo again. We have a lot of new players so we (captains) are doing a lot of teaching to help them learn new skills,” Guo said.

Bellevue first-year head coach Ben Puariea believes his team has the talent to win a championship yet again.

“We hope to repeat. Newport is our biggest rival and we lost to them (earlier this season). We’re going to have a rematch with them. They come here (Bellevue High School gymnasium) on April 20. It should be a crowded house,” Puariea said.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Guo a few questions about her life away from the badminton court.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Melinda Guo: “Interstellar.” It has awesome music, effects and a great storyline. I think its really interesting.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

MG: I don’t like people who gossip all the time. There is a lot of gossiping in high school just in general. I just don’t think it’s the best way for people to deal with their problems.

BR: What is your dream vacation spot?

MG: Hawaii. I have gone a few times. I love the beach and the weather is nice.

BR: What is your favorite restaurant in Bellevue?

MG: The Cheesecake Factory. I like Italian food.

BR: What is your favorite hobby away from sports?

MG: I like to draw. I doodle a lot on my own.