York coach to be inducted into Illinois Association of Badminton Coaches Hall of Fame

The York High School athletics department congratulates Gena Fite, head badminton coach, for her upcoming induction into the Illinois Association of Badminton Coaches Hall of Fame in May.

Coach Fite has coached the York Badminton team since 2018, and also coached at York from 1998-2006.

Coach Fite has a long playing career, which includes playing at Illinois State University and Arizona State University, a four-time U.S. Olympic Festival athlete (1989-1991, 1993), National badminton titles in singles and mixed doubles (2007) and a third-place team finish at the International Tournament in Japan (2002).

"The York Athletic Department is proud of Coach Fite and this milestone accomplishment in her career," said Rob Wagner, York High School Assistant Principal for Athletics.

"This award is most deserving. Coach Fite is a passionate coach that strives on developing an athlete's skill set," Wagner said. "Gena has a wealth of knowledge and she truly enjoys sharing it with the kids. She has built a solid program that the kids and staff take great pride in. We are fortunate to have her at York!"

Coach Fite is one of five coaches in the state inducted this year. The coaches were nominated by head coaches throughout the state, and then selected by the Illinois Association of Badminton Coaches Honors Committee.

"My badminton accomplishments are a direct result of the 45 years worth of coaches who have come before me and taught me how to work hard, how to play the game of badminton, and most importantly, how to win, and lose, with grace," Coach Fite said. "It is such an honor to be selected by my peers for the IABC 2022 Hall of Fame."

The ceremony will take place at the state meet at Hinsdale South High School on May 12.