Newsday's All-Long Island girls badminton team 2026
Newsday's 2026 All-Long Island girls badminton team. From left: Coach of the Year Ronnie Muscarella, Sandra Chen, Siddhangi Wickramasinghe and April Chu. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
Newsday Player of the Year: Siddhangi Wickramasinghe, Calhoun, Jr.
For the second straight year, Wickramasinghe proved herself to be the most dominant player on Long Island.
The junior completed back-to-back undefeated seasons, finishing with a 14-0 record. Despite Calhoun playing in Conference II in Nassau’s ability-based setup, Wickramasinghe still showed her skill against top competition.
Two years ago, Wickramasinghe won the Nassau singles tournament, entering the event as the sixth seed. This year, all eyes were on her as the top seed and she successfully defended her title in dominant fashion.
Siddhangi Wickramasinghe of Calhoun. Credit: Joe Orovitz
“She is one of the most self-motivated players I’ve come across. She does outside tournaments and trains to better herself throughout the year,” coach Keri Cinelli said. “She is a vital part of our team and is always trying to help players improve. It’s my pleasure to coach her.”
First Team
Sandra Chen, Jericho, Jr.
Chen finished as runner-up in the singles tournament for the second consecutive year. The junior anchored the Jayhawks at first singles and helped the team win back-to-back county and Long Island titles.
April Chu, Commack, Sr.
After Chu helped lead Commack to a county title in 2025, she returned at first singles this year and earned the Suffolk singles title. The senior helped Commack finish as the county runner-up.
Zoe Blake and Angela Chen, Miller Place, Srs.
Blake and Chen’s first season together was memorable. The pair finished the year undefeated and with the Suffolk doubles title. They also helped Miller Place enter the playoffs as the top seed.
Jasmine Peng, Sr. and Jessica Peng, Soph., Jericho
The Peng sisters’ partnership yielded great results as the duo won the Nassau doubles title. They earned the clinching victory in Jericho’s county title win and each won their matchup as singles competitors in the Long Island championship.
Coach of the Year: Ronnie Muscarella, Ward Melville
Ward Melville wasn’t the favorite to earn a county title, but coach Muscarella helped the Patriots overcome every challenge. Ward Melville defeated top-seeded Miller Place in the semifinals and second-seeded Commack in the final to earn its county championship.
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
