From Badminton Courts to City Hall: The Remarkable Journey of Senja Dewes
Lahr, Германии – Badminton and local administration aren’t typically linked, but Senja Dewes, a Franconian native, has made a unique career combining both. The 38-year-old, who has represented her country in badminton, now leads the social, education, and sports department for the city of Lahr, managing a team of 320 employees. Let’s delve into her extraordinary journey.
From Badminton to City Hall
Dewes’ love for the sport began at age six in her hometown of Bayreuth, where she picked up a racket thanks to her hobbyist mother. Her dedication saw her rise through the ranks, culminating in her becoming a German youth team champion in 1999. Now, she’s set to face fresh challenges in the 2nd Bundesliga next season.
Building a Career Beyond the Courts
After successfully playing in the Bundesliga and representing Germany in international tournaments, Dewes shifted gears, earning a degree in social work with a focus on social management and education. She went on to work for the city of Würzburg and the German Football League (DFL) before making her way to Lahr in 2017.
If someone has no idea about badminton, would you say it’s like, badminton is just badminton?
Dewes
I would put it like this: Badminton is about agility and precision, making it a ‘right’ sport.
Dewes
Inspiration for Life Off the Court
Dewes attributes her success not only to natural ability but also to discipline, overcoming self-doubt, and enjoying sports. Her nonprofit philosophy extends to her love for giving back to the community, a trait she shares with the sport she loves.
Why didn’t you become a national team player?
Dewes
Quite simply: because I was too bad. But I never seriously pursued it. It wasn’t up for discussion.
Dewes
Balancing Act
Balancing sports and administration, Dewes still finds time for fitness, running, and skiing. She trains four to five times a week, supplementing her badminton workouts with other sports. Her dedication to the game remains undiminished, with her most recent success coming at the Baden-Württemberg championships, where she secured runner-up spots in doubles and mixed doubles.
Looking Ahead
As she looks to the future, Dewes is excited about her upcoming move to Schorndorf in the regional league, where she’ll continue to compete in the 2nd Bundesliga with her doubles partner Kerstin Wagner. And though her days as a national team hopeful may be behind her, her resolve remains unchanged: “Effort is usually worth it.”