BWF News

Humans of Shuttle Time: Caroline M Vaughn

TEXT BY BWF STAFF

This is the 37th story in our Humans of Shuttle Time series, in which we present the perspectives of those who work on badminton development at the grassroots level. Caroline M Vaughn, Shuttle Time National Coordinator of Barbados Badminton Association, recalls her long association with badminton.

Growing Up Years

I was born in the rural parish of St Andrew in Barbados as the last of 13 children. I first saw badminton when I was 11 during a PE lesson in secondary school.

When I first saw the courts I wondered what sport it was. It seemed quite easy and interesting to play, unlike some of the other sports that were introduced to me. The games master realised my potential and introduced me to the teacher who was responsible for coaching badminton. He taught me the basics of the sport and he created the path for me to the junior national programme.

Relationship with Badminton

My passion for badminton grew even greater when I represented Barbados at the regional championships (CAREBACO) in 1985 in Guyana at the age of 14 and continued on to the seniors. I loved the sport so much that I did a coaching course while in my first year at the senior level. I completed my competitive stage at 35. I decided to then focus on coaching at the beginners stage.

Caroline M Vaughn (left) with her trainees.

Memorable Events

My most memorable events were the regional championships and Pan Am Games where I received numerous medals. My most rewarding memory was winning gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in Guatemala in 1993 with my partner Argyle Maynard. Even today it stays in my mind. Playing badminton, I made lots of friends of all walks of life to whom I can reach out for guidance about badminton, whether for coaching advice or just a friendly conversation.

What Badminton Means

Because of badminton I secured a coaching job at the National Sports Council (NSC) which allows me to teach badminton at primary and secondary schools across the island of Barbados. It’s also rewarding for me to work with the junior developmental programme and national junior squad and my club junior programme.

Developing Badminton in the Community

I was able to take people from the grassroots level to national representation. I also helped in changing the lives of many, which allowed them to see the world through the sport of badminton and raise their self-esteem.

Lessons from Shuttle Time

Shuttle Time has broadened the awareness of PE teachers who can now introduce badminton in their day-to-day PE classes which helps in developing the sport at the grassroots level.

Previous Stories in This Series

Humans of Shuttle Time: Sam Paterson

Humans of Shuttle Time: Deki Tshomo

Humans of Shuttle Time: Hadeel Mohammad Alomari

Humans of Shuttle Time: Daiverson Ferrari Rodrigues

Humans of Shuttle Time: Ammar Awad

Humans of Shuttle Time: Carolin Ruth

Humans of Shuttle Time: Caroline Brial

Humans of Shuttle Time: Danny Ten

Humans of Shuttle Time: Mohlala Mopeli

Humans of Shuttle Time: Tatiana Petrova

Humans of Shuttle Time: Levente Nagy-Szabó