Mar 4 - Undefeated birdie smasher named Player of the Year

A Douglas College student has been named the 2011 Women's Badminton Player of the Year by the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA).

RuiLin Huang, who studies business accounting and who plays badminton for the Douglas College Royals, took home the distinction for the third year running.

"Her season performance is unquestionable - a 45 and 0 record," says Al Mawani, Head Coach of Badminton at Douglas. "She's playing better than last year, when she was coming off an injury. This year she's fitter and stronger."

This season Huang has won six titles, four for women's singles and two for women's doubles. In the three years she's been playing in the CCAA, she's had 112 wins and a single loss.

Huang says she was surprised that she captured the Player of the Year title for 2011.

"The competition was strong, especially Tracy Wong, from Ontario. She was very good," says Huang, adding: I'm going to come back to nationals next year, and hopefully I can win a fourth time."

"RuiLin has had the ultimate season," says Vince Amato, Executive Member of the CCAA. "She's undefeated, and she's involved in the community. It's more than just winning."

The Royals are in first place in the CCAA national rankings. They have been undefeated in league play for six years.