Tyler Shelt is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sunrise Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com.

Karah Abbott and Ashley Robertson have made a lasting impact on the badminton program at Sunrise Mountain High School in their time.

"If I had an entire team of Karah's and Ashley's, coaching would be really easy," said Michele Carter, the head coach of the Mustangs' badminton team. 

The duo has dominated throughout the season, both in doubles and singles. Thanks in large part to the two, Sunrise Mountain is currently 13-1. They sit at first in the Division II Peoria standings currently. And according to AZPreps365, they are ranked fourth in Division II as a whole.

"Both players work hard in practice," Carter said. "They do not cut corners or try to skip the small steps in drills needed to help them become top players."

Abbott and Robertson are the respective number one and two players on Sunrise Mountain. Abbott will participate in the individual state playoffs and Robertson may have a shot as well, as Robertson would be the outright number one player at many other schools.  

Both players started playing in high school and referenced that neither of them knew the game very well before they started. 

"I would say I have grown very much," Abbott said. "Considering this is a sport that everyone goes into having not held a racket once."

When asked about how badminton differs from other sports they play, both players talked about how they like the individual aspect of it. Abbott plays basketball and softball along with badminton, and Robertson plays soccer at the same time as badminton. 

"I'd say they're very different," Robertson said. "I thought [badminton] was going to be easy, but it's actually really hard since you use a lot of energy in a short amount of time."

Badminton is a sport that both plan on playing after graduating high school. Whether that is for an intramural team in college or just recreationally, both want to continue playing their new found passion. Robertson referenced how the game is very enjoyable and fun without much pressure. 

"It's an individual game," Robertson said. "So, I feel like if I put no pressure on myself, I can just play for fun."

The two players spoke highly of each other. They both credit each other for much of their successes. 

"I think Ashley made me a better person honestly," Abbott said. "As a team, we do very well together."

Abbott and Robertson were key in a recent, major victory of the Mustangs'. They defeated the reigning Division II state champions of badminton, Ironwood, 5-4 on Oct. 6. Their doubles win had sealed the whole match, giving Sunrise the edge over the Eagles. Having won out the rest of their matches, the Mustangs earned their first sectional championship in program history. 

"That is not earned without them," Carter said. "their hard work, and dedication to this team and program." 

The two now look to put a cap on their high school badminton successes and try to win a state championship. Abbott and possibly Robertson will compete in the singles tournament Oct. 22-24, and Sunrise Mountain's doubles team will compete as well.