At 74 years young, Coach Robert continues to be an inspiring figure in the badminton world. With more than four decades of coaching experience, he has built not just winning teams but a community of players who share his love and respect for the sport.
 

From a College Hobby to a Lifelong Passion

Coach Robert first discovered badminton as a college intramural sport back in 1973. What started as a casual activity soon grew into a lifelong passion. Ten years later, in 1983, he became the Head Coach for the Girls’ Badminton Team at TF North High School, a position that would shape the next 42 years of his life.

1992 team photo including his son Eric and daughter Amy.

Building Champions, On and Off the Court

Under his leadership, TF North achieved remarkable success with 32 Conference and Sectional Championships, State Runner-Up in 2010, and back-to-back Illinois State Championships in 2013 and 2014. His teams consistently ranked among the top ten in the state seven times.

Coach Robert also organized five badminton invitationals each year, giving players more opportunities to compete and grow. Even after retiring from head coaching in 2022, he continues to train players twice a week and mentor high school coaches. His dedication was recognized when he was elected to the Badminton Hall of Fame in 2022, which is a fitting tribute to his decades of service to the sport.

Learning from the Best

Throughout his career, Coach Robert has learned from top players and coaches around the world. He trained under Rasmus Fladberg (Denmark), Eric Pang (Netherlands), and received continual guidance from Kevin Hussey (USA) and Illian Perez (Cuba/USA) with whom he still keeps in touch regularly.

What Keeps Him Going

When asked what he enjoys most about coaching, Coach Robert says it’s the growth he sees in his players, not just in skill, but in confidence, teamwork, and discipline. “Watching young players develop both on and off the court has always been the most rewarding part of coaching,” he shares.

Staying Humble

To Coach Robert, humility means remembering that everyone starts as a beginner. “No matter how experienced you become, there’s always something to learn from your players, from your peers, and from the game itself.”

Keeping Players Motivated 

He believes motivation comes from creating a positive and supportive environment. “I remind my players that badminton is a journey. You don’t have to win every game, but you should always learn from each one.”

A Lifelong Student of the Game

Even after decades of coaching success, Coach Robert still studies badminton strategies, attends clinics, and runs drills weekly. “Badminton has taught me patience, perseverance, and the joy of sharing knowledge,” he says.

Recent picture of Coach Robert and his student holding their Abroz favourite rackets

A Coach Who Gives Back

Today, Coach Robert calls himself a “Badminton Influencer”, not in the social media sense, but in the truest meaning of the word. He continues to promote the sport by sharing his time, knowledge, and even equipment with players of all levels.

“I distribute key chains, bumper stickers, hooded sweatshirts, rackets, grips, covers, hats, water, etc. to all interested players,” he says.
“I never charge for the rackets or instruction hours. It’s all free.”

Former players often return to help train new ones, which is a reflection of the strong badminton family he has built over the years. “We feel that’s our way of giving back to the sport that has given us so many fabulous memories,” he adds.

Partnering with Abroz

Coach Robert first came across Abroz rackets several years ago and was impressed by their affordability, comfort, and quality.

“Abroz rackets help players perform well without worrying about injury or cost,” he explains.
“They’re lightweight, consistent, and perfect for both new and experienced players.”

When asked about his favorite model, he smiles, “I’ve used several, but the Abroz Shark Hammerhead model really stands out for balance and control, great for training and tournament play.”

His Message to Beginners

Coach Robert’s advice is simple but powerful:

“Don’t be afraid of the game. Just pick up a racket and start playing. Badminton is for everyone, all ages, all levels. You’ll make friends, stay active, and learn lessons that last a lifetime.”

Final Thoughts

From his first swing in college to his Hall of Fame recognition, Coach Robert has shown what it means to lead with passion and humility. His story reminds us that badminton is more than competition. It’s about community, kindness, and lifelong learning.

At Abroz, we’re truly honored to have Coach Robert as part of our family and to support his ongoing mission to grow the sport he loves.

When you buy Abroz, you’re doing more than just getting a racket.  You are supporting real badminton heroes like Coach Robert, along with countless coaches and passionate players who dedicate their lives to the sport. Abroz believes in caring for the people behind the game, not just the game itself. Every Abroz racket represents that commitment, to uplift, encourage, and support the community that keeps badminton alive.

One of his championship teams was featured on Badminton Monthly.

Coach Robert and team featured on Southtownstar.

We feature coaches at no cost because they are the unsung heroes who keep badminton alive. If you’d like to nominate a coach who deserves to be recognized, please email catherine@badmintonbay.com.
– Team BadmintonBay.com & Abroz Sports