“A force on the court able to take on anyone,” that’s how HuiJing Yang's coach, Mitsuru Kakuda, describes her performance.

Even to her classmates, she’s the "badminton girl.”

“That’s how like people know me in the school,” said Yang.

What You Need To Know

  • Before her freshman year, Yang had never played Badminton competitively or on a team

  • Yang choose a school where she could still use her Mandarin and learn about Asian culture

  • Yang came in second at the PSAL wrestling tournament – a sport that sometimes requires her to take down the boys.

And winning is kind of her thing. She took first place in the 2021 TJCCNY second doubles, first doubles and singles competitions.

“No matter how many tournaments I attend, I always feel the fears and the pressure like before...but after all, you just do your best,” Yang said.

But this all-star’s story is all about rising to the challenge. Seven years ago, Yang emigrated from China, quickly having to learn a new culture and language.

“When I first came to America, I felt like I could not assimilate to the environment,” Yang said.

It was here, at the High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies in Manhattan, Yang was first introduced to badminton.

“I don’t think the team would be the same without her,” said Kakuda, Yang's badminton coach for the past four years.

Now using her Mandarin as just another tool on the court, Yang is the captain of the team. She focuses her attention on developing her teammates’ skills.

“That’s like the most meaningful moment in my life, like throughout my high school years. I feel very satisfied with my accomplishment,” Yang said.

Another highlight: winning this year's PSAL Team City Championship.

“That’s the moment when all the hard work and effort...it like really pays off,” said Yang.

Her athleticism also extends to the mat. She picked up wrestling and sometimes goes against the guys, still coming out on top.

Yang is heading to John Jay College in the fall to pursue criminal justice. She is gearing up for the PSAL Individual Championships hoping to take home the gold one last time before she hangs up the racket.