Nils & Elin's story — from the state squad to the national stage
Mei Wan • State squad → Senior High Performance • Elite pathway
When Mei first brought Nils and Elin to Elite Athlete Academy, they were already strong players — part of the state squad, talented, and hungry for more. What they were missing wasn't talent. It was the environment to turn that talent into a complete athlete.
At EAA, the training stepped up in ways that went far beyond the court. The coaching team built out their strength and conditioning, and — just as importantly — the discipline that surrounds elite sport: how they study, how they eat, how they carry themselves when no one is watching. How to live as a student-athlete.
"More focus on strength and conditioning, and general discipline off-court — things like study habits and diet."
The results followed. Elin was reached the finals in Girls' Doubles at U15 Nationals, and then came in 3rd within Mixed Doubles at U17 Nationals.
Nils finished 3rd in Boys' Doubles at U19 Nationals. Nils has progressed into the Senior High Performance program — competing at the level every junior dreams of reaching.
"Very focused, targeted training programs that are well communicated with parents — so we can give the right support outside of training hours."
For Mei, the confidence to hand her children's development to EAA came down to the people. Coaches who had walked the path themselves as elite players, and who balanced genuine care with the firmness that serious athletes need.
"It was the coaches' experience as elite players, and their caring but firm attitude towards my kids."
That partnership — a positive culture inside the academy, transparency with families, and a program that includes the routines off the court as well as on it — is what kept the Vercruysse family at EAA through every level.
"A positive vibe and culture, transparent communication, and a clear program that also builds the routines outside of the badminton court."
— Mei Wan, parent of Nils & Elin, Senior High Performance Program