Meet the BBC Team!
Head Professional/Head Coach
Raju Rai
Raju started playing badminton at the age of 5. He has been playing for the past 20 years now, moving up from the top junior level to becoming one of the best players in the United States. He has been on the US National Team from 1999-2008, 5 time US National Champion, and recently achieved his dream by qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He states, “Badminton has always been my first love. It has taught me so much about life and myself. I would like to thank everyone for all your support throughout my career and I look forward to returning it to the future of badminton in the US.”
Accomplishments:
• 2008 Beijing Olympic Team Member
• BWF World Training Center Team Member
• 4-time US National Singles Champion (2004-2006, 2008)
• 2-time US National Mixed Doubles Champion (2003 & 2004)
• US National Team Member (1999-2008)
• Ken Davidson Sportsmanship Award Winner (Junior-2000, Adult-2008)
• USOC & USAB Athlete of the Year (2003-2005)
Coaching Experience:
• Head Coach of Bellevue Badminton Club
• Assistant and Private Coach for Orange County Badminton Club (2004-2008)
• US Badminton Development Foundation Head/Assistant Coach (2003-2008)
• Villa Park High School Assistant Coach (2004-2006)
Vice President /Head Coach
Kenny Lu
Accomplishments:
• Secratary for washington state badminton association
• Started first junior badminton program in WA in 2001
• Helped several students earn top 5 at U.S. Jr. Nationals
• Officially sponsored by Victor Badminton (2001-2005)
• Officially sponsored by Yonex Badminton (2006-present)
Head Professional/Head Coach
Paz Ben-Sira
Accomplishments:
• 1998 Israel National Champion
• Macabia Games Silver Medalist (Jewish Games)
• Cyprus Open Gold Medalist
• 2-time Israel Thomas Cup Team Member
• Israel Sudirman Cup Team Member
• Israel European Championships Team Member
• 5-time Israel Junior National Champion