Badminton has officially started at MHS, with the spring season having just begun. On March 4, 2022, JV and Varsity players of the MHS badminton team played and won against Piedmont High School. Badminton, being the fastest racket sport, has intense games and even more intense players.
The game began with a loud rally cheer from both teams. The game resulted in a win for MHS, with varsity bagging a score of 18-12 and JV achieving 12-3. Badminton at MHS is a co-ed sport and has players of various levels.
JV player and freshman Johnyssa Ramos stays motivated by seeing her progress, she said.
“Getting better at playing the sport makes it more fun and enjoyable, which is why I chose to join the team,” she said.
Varsity player and senior Esien Ng loves playing badminton for fun, so much so that she doesn’t even see it as a task, she said.
Though the games are played individually, the teams are still supportive and tight-knit.
“I love seeing my teammates getting really excited every time we have practice,” Ng said. “I stay motivated by mostly playing with friends and having fun,” she said.
Aside from badminton, these players participate in other sports, as well.
Ng swam for a few years before high school, and she ran track back in middle school, she said.
When asked about her future goals for the sport, Ng is optimistic. “I see myself just playing for fun and as an extracurricular [in the future], but I encourage everyone to try badminton as it is a very enjoyable and heart racing sport,” she said.
The new season is sure to be packed with new experiences for new and old players alike.