The NAIT Ooks Badminton team opened their season in dominant fashion, earning the title of the top-ranked team in the nation. Their early success has set the tone for what is shaping up to be a standout year, and with championships around the corner, the Ooks are peaking at exactly the right time.

Currently sitting first in the ACAC standings and ranked No. 1 in the CCAA, a position they have held almost all season, NAIT has firmly established itself as the team to beat. Rather than becoming complacent, the Ooks have embraced the pressure that comes with being the top-ranked team, using it to fuel their relentless work ethic and daily preparation.

The season began with a strong showing at ACAC Tournament #1 on home court. The Ooks dominated in men's doubles, where Ethan Lee and Matthew Wong finished first, while Caelen Mah and Byron Tung placed fifth. Khushi Vaniya placed third in women's singles, while Vaniya and Mataia Wong finished second in women's doubles. Matthew Wong and Mataia Wong added a third-place finish in mixed doubles to round out an impressive opening weekend.

NAIT elevated its performance at Tournament #2, hosted by SAIT, climbing into first place overall in the ACAC standings. Ethan Lee and Caelen Mah finished first in men's doubles, while Byron Tung and Matthew Wong placed third. Khushi Vaniya finished second in women's singles, Rachel Chan and Mataia Wong placed second in women's doubles, and Sasha Iastreb and Sam Tran finished third. Matthew Wong and Khushi Vaniya secured another strong result with a third-place finish in mixed doubles.

The momentum continued at Tournament #3. Matthew Wong finished third in men's singles and Jenna Wong placed third in women's singles. Ethan Lee and Matthew Wong finished second in men's doubles, while Ella Dolan and Jenna Wong placed third in women's doubles. Davis Wong and Mataia Wong added a third-place finish in mixed doubles to cap off another strong weekend.

After placing second as a team at the first tournament and finishing first in both Tournament #2 and Tournament #3, the Ooks enter the ACAC Championships ranked first in the conference and first in the country.

Individual excellence has also been recognized, with Mataia Wong and Ethan Lee named to the ACAC All-Conference Team, and head coach Alan Chow earning ACAC Coach of the Year honours. Under Chow's leadership, the Ooks have built a culture of consistency, accountability, and growth that has sustained their national ranking all season.

With the ACAC Championships set for February 21 and 22 at King's University of Edmonton, the Ooks have their sights set on adding another provincial banner to NAIT's collection and punching their ticket to the CCAA National Championships.