Valliappan Padmanabhan
Valliappan Padmanabhan

Bio

 Since last year, Coach Valliappan has been leading the Conestoga Condors Badminton team as the Head Coach. His journey in badminton started as a varsity player in 2014 with Fanshawe College, where he competed for two seasons. After his tenure on the court, known affectionately as 'Vally,' he seamlessly transitioned into coaching, becoming an integral part of the Fanshawe Badminton Coaching team from 2016 to 2022. Alongside coaching at Fanshawe, he has also dedicated himself to mentoring children aged 5 to high school students since 2016. This blend of playing, coaching, and mentoring has significantly enriched Coach Vally’s understanding and passion for the sport. In his inaugural season at the helm, the Women’s Team secured the title of OCAA West Region Champions, with several players achieving top-three finishes at the OCAA West Regionals. 

 

What is your coaching philosophy? 

 My coaching philosophy in badminton revolves around mastering fundamental skills, cultivating strategic thinking, and prioritizing physical conditioning while emphasizing sportsmanship, respect, and lifelong learning. I advocate for prioritizing the process over the result, nurturing a mindset focused on growth and improvement rather than solely on outcomes. 

 

 What does being a Condor mean to you as we enter the “Striving to Soar” era? 

 To me, being a Condor in this "Striving to Soar" era means aiming high and never giving up. It's about working hard, supporting each other, and always trying to be better, both in sports and in life. As our college sets new goals for athletics, being a Condor means being part of a team that's ready to take on challenges and reach for the stars together.