Maddyn Johnstone-Thomas is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Mountain View High School for AZPreps365.com.

Coming into the 2019-20 school year, Vickie Nguyen wasn’t sure she’d return to the Mountain View badminton team. She’s been a part of the sport since her freshman year.

The junior had to make a decision: athletics or academics.

“It was definitely was a struggle to decide whether or not I wanted to come out again just because I put so much pressure on myself to have a really high academic standing,” Nguyen said. “I wanted to strive for Valedictorian, but I figured that it wasn’t really something that I wanted to do for myself. It was something that I had to do for my parents.”

Nguyen is taking three advanced placement courses this year -- calculus, English language and U.S. History . They will allow her to possibly gain college credit if she passes a test at the end of the year. They are designed to give the student the experience of what an intro-level class is like in college.

Since balancing badminton and academics, Nguyen often finds herself up past midnight working on homework after leaving practice and games. She doesn’t regret her choice to do both and coach Trisha Ellsworth thinks there is a deeper lesson learned to balancing academics and sports.

“I think the academics that pushes these guys harder teaches them the struggle,” Ellsworth said. “Things are not easy. Even academically you have to push yourself. Think about your AP History class. It’s not the easiest class, but you’re getting through it.

“So, this (badminton), we’re asking you to do things that are hard, but it’s a struggle and we’re trying to push you physically and mentally to get the ‘A’ you’re striving for. There will be pressure for the rest of your life, in classes and your adult life.”

Nguyen is learning the hardest part of managing everything is knowing when enough is enough and not getting too overwhelmed.

Coming into the season, Nguyen ranked No.2 on her team. Ellsworth said she is an important piece of their squad.

“Vickie is really quiet, but she is quietly pushing herself and has this fierceness to get better and have a really high expectation for herself,” Ellsworth said. “I think that shows the younger girls that’s how you’re supposed to play. Don’t just talk about it. Lead by example. She doesn’t talk about wanting to be good, she is trying to be good.”

Teammate Ellie Clarkson sees Nguyen’s success on and off the court.

“I had Vickie in some of my classes last year and I know for a fact she’s super hardworking and she knows how to get things done,” Clarkson said. “She will make time for badminton because it’s something she loves and something she’s good at. If something comes up, she’ll work through it to come here.”

Nguyen has an overall record of 5-9 this season. Even though her record isn’t stellar, she is still having fun and believes she made the right decision. Nguyen’s decision on playing her senior year is still up in the air.

“I did go through this and debated coming back or not because I was tired of losing, so I don’t want to come back and lose my senior year,” Nguyen said. “But if I train over the summer and am able to balance everything then I will definitely come back.”