If you want to know how much Thinh “T’’ Nguyen loves badminton, consider that he and a friend spent $200 for an Uber to travel from Stamford to Storrs to try out for UConn’s Badminton Club.

“It was definitely worth it because I got accepted on Team A my freshman year,’’ said Nguyen, now a junior majoring in data analytics at the Stamford campus.

“But after that I learned to use the U-Pass,’’ he said, laughing.

Last April, Nguyen and his teammates won the Division II National Collegiate Badminton Championship, defeating a team from Harvard. It marked the first time in a decade that the UConn club took home the championship.

‘This Game is My Passion’

“What I love about badminton is how fast and strategic the game is. You have to react quickly, stay focused, and think ahead on every point,’’ Nguyen said. “Being able to compete at the national level and represent both UConn Stamford and the School of Business made the experience even more meaningful to me.’’

Becoming a national champion is a source of pride for Nguyen and his team.

“It’s a memory I’ll carry with me for a long time,” Nguyen said. “I had competed in two tournaments before and finished fourth both times, so winning this one felt especially meaningful. What made it even more special was knowing that I was able to contribute to UConn’s success and be part of bringing the championship back after 10 years.”

Because Nguyen is the only Stamford student on the team, and there is no practice facility in the city, he competes without attending practice. Nevertheless, he is the No. 1 seed among the male players.

As a child, Nguyen explored a variety of activities, including cheerleading, basketball, soccer, and piano, before eventually finding his passion for badminton.

“The first time I played on a court in Vietnam, I got three gold medals,’’ he said of his experience in Ho Chi Minh city. “I knew then that badminton was my sport. I enjoy winning. This game is my passion. I’m very competitive.’’

The club, which will compete in its first tournament of the semester in Massachusetts in November, doesn’t have a coach, “so we coach each other,’’ Nguyen said.

New England’s Snow Draws Mixed Reviews

Despite being almost 9,000 miles from home, Nguyen said he has adjusted to life in a new country.

“I actually don’t get homesick very often,’’ he said. “I know studying in the U.S., and UConn specifically, is a huge opportunity and a significant investment from my family, so I try to focus on making the most of it. I usually go back to Vietnam during longer school breaks when I can.’’

Adjusting to New England winters took a little bit more time.

“In Vietnam we have two seasons, hot and hotter,’’ he said, laughing. “The first winter I spent here was crazy. The first time I saw snow, I was very excited. The second day, when the snow was dirty and the sidewalks were slippery, I didn’t like it quite as much!’’

The educational culture is also very different in the United States.

“In Vietnam, my experience was more focused on lectures, exams, and correct answers, while here there is more discussion, participation, projects, and interaction with professors,’’ he said.

Data Analytics Offers Better Decisions

After he earns his bachelor’s degree in 2028, Nguyen is interested in enrolling in UConn’s master’s degree program in Business Analytics and Project Management (MSBAPM).

“What I enjoy about data analytics is the problem-solving side of it. I like starting with a question, looking through the information, and figuring out what is actually happening,’’ he said. “It feels rewarding when the answer can help someone understand a situation better or make a better decision.’’

In the meantime, Nguyen is gearing up for a new season. The Club has been penalized in the past for not having enough women on the team. Although tryouts have already concluded for this year, Nguyen hopes to see new talent join the team and help continue bringing UConn onto the national stage.

“I’m looking forward to this season. There’s definitely some pressure after winning last year because defending a championship can be even harder than winning it the first time,’’ Nguyen said. “But my teammates and I are focused on doing our best and giving everything we have this season!’’