Wheeling Badminton Welcomes New Head Coach

Bruce Varela takes over the program after serving as longtime assistant

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:42am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and competitive energy of a badminton match, with sharp geometric shapes and bold colors representing the sport's intensity.A new coach aims to reshape the future of Wheeling's struggling badminton program.Wheeling Today

Wheeling badminton is excited to hit the courts this season as a new head coach takes over the program. Bruce Varela is entering his first year as a head coach after serving as a longtime assistant coach at Wheeling for a variety of sports over the last approximately 20 years.

Why it matters

Wheeling badminton has struggled in recent seasons, and the program is hoping that Varela's experience and new leadership can help turn things around and get the team back to competing for conference titles.

The details

Varela admits he wasn't planning on being a head coach, but is eager to take on the challenge of leading the Wheeling badminton team. His goals for the season include having a winning record, winning the division, and placing near the top of the conference tournament.

  • The 2026 badminton season is set to begin in the coming weeks.

The players

Bruce Varela

A longtime assistant coach at Wheeling who is now taking over as the new head coach of the badminton program.

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What they’re saying

“Our goals this season are to have a winning record, win our division and place near the top of the conference tournament.”

— Bruce Varela, Head Coach, Wheeling Badminton

What’s next

The Wheeling badminton team will open its season in the coming weeks as Varela looks to implement his vision for the program.

The takeaway

Wheeling is hoping that Varela's experience and new leadership can help turn around the struggling badminton program and get them back to competing for conference titles.