With fall coming to a close and winter just around the corner, Millikan’s Badminton team is finally ready to swing into action. Players are itching with anticipation, eager to show off their skills and clear the competition.
Both the boys and girls season starts in the spring and will carry on into the summer, where players will be putting their skills to the test against the likes of students from Poly, Cabrio, Wilson, and many more schools in the area.
“There are a ton of amazing players on the team this year,” says PEACE sophomore Lila Gonzalez, who’s been playing the sport for two years now. “All of [the players] seem so dedicated to the sport. Everyone is putting in so much effort,” says Gonzalez.
Gonzalez believes that the fun and enthusiasm from everyone involved is going to translate positively once their season starts, and result in a very successful season.
QUEST senior Luke Gossage says, “I have a stronger feeling that we will succeed this year because of the strength of the seniors. We have a lot more players than the last few years.” As someone who’s been in the badminton class for four years, and is currently on the varsity team, he’s positive that the excitement and enthusiasm brought in by this year’s batch of freshmen is going to help the team’s motivation moving forward.
The badminton class, which takes place during 6th period, is filled with both returning and first time players. It gives those with experience more practice time, and newcomers a chance to develop the skills necessary to make the team if they decide to return the following year. It’s a great opportunity to jump on if you’re interested in the sport, as it’s where many of our school’s best players got their start.
Felisa Wooldridge, a freshman in COMPASS says, “I’m excited to see how varsity and junior varsity play in a competitive manner.” Wooldridge, who just picked up a racket for the first time in July of this year, feels that, “[The class] is a really good environment to be a part of, and the seniors and juniors are all a very big inspiration to the freshman.”
Wooldrige is of the opinion that the upperclassmen are all very talented and that their influence is going to strengthen the underclassmen, so that next year’s main batch of players is just as good.
It’s clear to see that players new and old are oozing with excitement for what’s to come this season. Their first game is set to take place Mar. 4, 2025 against Lakewood High School at Millikan in the gold gymnasium, and until then, players will continue to sharpen their skills, perfect their shots, and support each other, one practice at a time.
