Returning from a near-perfect season, the badminton team is ready for redemption. Going 14-0 in the regular season last year, the team lost to Xavier in a true battle.

In their first year in a new section, Perry will face teams like Hamilton, Basha, and Xavier on a regular basis.

As Coach Johnson said, “We have a completely different schedule this year and our sections have changed… so we’re gonna have to step up our game.”

Perry’s badminton program has seen lots of growth over the past few years, becoming a true contender in the state tournament.

Principal Dan Serrano said, “Our badminton program is pretty good. There’s some talent there. Coach Johnson treats badminton like football. She does a really good job.”

With eight athletes returning for the 2016-2017 season, the team is ready to play as a unit and begin the journey to the state championship.

“We have some unfinished business to take care of. We want to have another chance at Xavier and now they’re in our section,” Coach Lerina Johnson said.

For many of the seniors who have watched the program develop during their time on the team, this season is the last chance to finish what they have started.

For senior Katie Cross, “it’s not so much as a pressure as just kind of a personal commitment.”

The tougher schedule doesn’t deter the players though, as Cross said, “You would think we would be afraid. I think we’re ready for the challenge.”

This attitude is what has changed the program from barely scraping together the players for a team, to being one of the sports on campus with the largest player turn-out.

“The reputation’s there. The fun aspect of badminton’s there. It’s awesome,” Coach Johnson said. “They come out here and work hard for themselves.”