Senior Sarah Kuo’s childhood pastime of backyard badminton matches turned out to be much more than a fun hobby when she joined the high school badminton team.

Kuo’s interest in playing badminton began in middle school, when she attended a summer camp and discovered that it was an enjoyable sport. Her family history with the sport also strengthened her interest.

“My dad used to play badminton a lot, so he influenced me,” Kuo said. “I’d play a lot with him in the backyard, and it was pretty fun, so I just continued to play [in high school].”

While she does not play on a team outside of school, Kuo considers the best part of joining the badminton team being able to make friends who have the same interest and passion for badminton as she does.

“It’s always nice to play with a variety of people,” Kuo said. “You get to interact with a lot of other players and play against a lot of new people.”

Currently, Kuo, who has been on the varsity team for three years, is slated to play varsity No. 2 girls’ doubles with junior Grace Ma. Her previous position was varsity No. 1 girls’ doubles with senior Lauren Chu, who is currently playing varsity No. 1 mixed doubles.

“I like [girls’ doubles] because there is someone to rely on in games,” Kuo said. “Usually in singles, you are just by yourself, but in doubles you have a partner to reassure you and keep you on track.”

Although Kuo said that she enjoys playing doubles the most, she also finds it difficult at times.

“Sometimes we get mixed up in formation, or we forget what we’re supposed to do,” Kuo said. “We’re supposed to cooperate, but sometimes we mess up and let the birdie go.”

However, her most memorable game was not a doubles match, but a victorious singles match during an away game against Wilcox High last year.

“That was the first time I played singles in a game,” Kuo said. “It was the game that relied on me; I had to win for our entire team to win.”

While the pressure to win can often be overwhelming, especially at the varsity level, Kuo encourages new players to focus on simply playing the game.

“Don’t be afraid to challenge other people,” Kuo said. “Just put yourself out there, and you’ll get to know the team really well.”

The team’s first game will be at home against Monta Vista High school on March 19.