By Don Ketchum

Is badminton scary?

Don’t laugh. You might just find that is true, particularly if you stand across the net from Phoenix Greenway senior Genesis Ramirez.

“Badminton is really fun,’’ she said. “I like the smashing, the hitting, scaring the other person.’’

Sounds more like football, but Ramirez likes the aggressive style. It has served her well, having led to a Class 4A doubles title with Jillian Bagley (now graduated) a year ago and putting her in position to have a chance to win the singles title in a new format that combines players from the biggest schools, whether they are 4A or 5A.

Ramirez has had a lot of doubles success with the player who replaced Bagley, Aiessa Allard, but is leaning toward singles competition at state because it offers a big challenge. Ramirez thinks she is ready after recently defeating Sunnyslope junior Jasmine Fuller, the defending 4A state champion.

Greenway also was 7-0 after a 9-0 victory over Glendale Apollo on Wednesday night. The biggest triumph so far was a 5-4 nail-biter over Sunnyslope, which defeated Greenway for the team title last season.

“Genesis has improved a great deal from last year, and she is continuing to improve,’’ said Greenway coach Heather McDonald. “She has the strength and she has the smarts. She has a good work ethic and she is very willing to help the younger players.’’

It also has been rewarding for Ramirez to help teach Allard about playing doubles.

“I try to let her know what I experienced last year, how to work the court. She is getting really fast in picking things up,’’ Ramirez said.

Because Allard also is a senior, she also could choose to go the singles route in the state tournament.

For now, Ramirez and Allard will keep going.

“We’re working real well. We talk to each other. We communicate. That’s the important thing,’’ Ramirez said.

Ramirez plays soccer during the winter and tennis during the summer (she is the No. 3 singles player). Swinging a tennis racquet and a badminton racquet is different, Ramirez said, leading her to adjust when switching back and forth.

Contrary to some ideas, those who play badminton must be in shape, Ramirez said.

“We do a lot of conditioning, work on the “abs’ (abdominal muscles) and moving a lot from side to side,’’ she said. “That might not mean much to some people, but some singles matches can go back and forth for a long time.’’

Ramirez also maintains a busy schedule in academics and activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, the Link Crew (helping underclassmen) and a future educators’ group. She hopes to be a teacher and coach.