Built by high school students.
Free for everyone.

We're a badminton nonprofit based in NC. Elite coaching, no cost, all ages.

Our Story

A student's idea
became a nonprofit.

A Green Hope High School student who is passionate about badminton wanted to make the sport more accessible in a community where most people don't get the chance to try it. What began in fall 2024 as one person's effort has grown into a team of 8 passionate high schoolers and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, built on the belief that everyone should have the option to pick up a racket and see how fun the sport can be.

Our goal is to keep widening that door, reaching more kids across NC every season.

View Upcoming Events →
Workshop in action
501(c)(3) Registered Nonprofit
🎯
Provide free, all-inclusive workshops

Sessions are open to anyone. No experience or cost required.

🔥
Inspire kids and adults to pursue the sport

Players of all ages leave the court excited about badminton.

🌟
Share the joy with our community

We're building something in NC that keeps growing with every new face we meet.

🧠
Psychologist-informed teaching

Coach Mark, a practicing psychologist, shapes how we teach so kids stay engaged and keep learning.

Mission

Make badminton something anyone can try.

Run free, well-coached workshops across NC and remove every barrier (cost, equipment, experience) that keeps kids and families from picking up a racket.

Vision

A community where every young person can grow through the sport.

A Triangle where any kid, whatever their background or ability, can find confidence, focus, and a lasting love for the game.

Coaching Background

Our coaches bring serious competitive experience and a love for teaching. We've trained under Coach Hendry, US National Head Coach (2023–2024), and won $1,000+ in open competitions.

Elite training paired with six years of beginner-first coaching. That combination is rare, and it shows in how quickly kids pick up the game.

🏆 US National Coach trained 🏸 6+ yrs beginner coaching
Coaches leading a Rookie Rackets badminton session

Meet the coaches

Eight coaches, all volunteers, all here because they love the sport.

Tap any card to learn more

Photo of Adithya Burisetty
Adithya Burisetty Founder & President
Tap to flip ↩
AB
Adithya Burisetty Founder & President

Playing badminton for over seven years, Adithya founded Rookie Rackets to inspire kids to discover the joy of the sport and spread it through their communities. A Green Hope High School student, he turned a personal passion into a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Specializes in singles strategy and footwork drills. Trained under US National Head Coach Hendry (2023–2024).
Photo of Aarav Gupta
Aarav Gupta VP Programs
Tap to flip ↩
AG
Aarav Gupta VP Programs

Three years of competitive badminton and national tournament experience. Aarav leads program planning and ensures every workshop runs smoothly from start to finish, making sure every participant has a great time on the court.

National tournament competitor. Specializes in doubles strategy and session planning.
Photo of Nikhil Peechara
Nikhil Peechara VP Social Media
Tap to flip ↩
NP
Nikhil Peechara VP Social Media

Five years on the court learning skills and strategy. Nikhil manages all social media and community outreach for Rookie Rackets, focused on introducing badminton to neighborhoods where most people have never picked up a racket.

Manages Instagram and outreach. Specializes in net play and drop shots.
Photo of Nathan Kankanala
Nathan Kankanala Senior Coach
Tap to flip ↩
NK
Nathan Kankanala Senior Coach

Started hitting in the backyard and never stopped. Six years of experience and a genuine love for the game that he brings to every session. Nathan has a gift for teaching beginners the fundamentals in a way that sticks.

6 years on the court. Specializes in beginner footwork and serve mechanics.
Photo of Vihaan Darbha
Vihaan Darbha Coach
Tap to flip ↩
VD
Vihaan Darbha Coach

Picked up badminton during the pandemic and quickly reached #1 in the nation. Vihaan brings elite competitive energy to every workshop and wants younger players to find the same excitement and joy he discovered in the sport.

#1 national ranking. Specializes in smash technique and aggressive net play.
Photo of Yuancheng Li
Yuancheng Li Coach
Tap to flip ↩
YL
Yuancheng Li Coach

Passionate about badminton and coaching in the NC area. Yuancheng brings energy and enthusiasm to every session, helping new players build confidence with every rally.

Focused on building player confidence and consistency from the baseline.
Photo of Ishan Kanchi
Ishan Kanchi Coach
Tap to flip ↩
IK
Ishan Kanchi Coach

Ishan brings a patient, encouraging coaching style that makes beginners feel comfortable picking up a racket for the very first time.

Known for patient, encouraging coaching. Specializes in working with first-time players.
Photo of Tanay Kankanala
Tanay Kankanala Coach
Tap to flip ↩
TK
Tanay Kankanala Coach

Coming soon.

Coming soon.

What we stand for

Accessibility

Workshops are free. Equipment provided.

🌍

Inclusion

Open to players of all ages and all abilities, including kids on the spectrum.

Excellence

We bring the same focus to our workshops and camps that we bring to competition.

🤝

Community

We're building a badminton community in Cary.

🧠

More than a sport. Getting on the court builds more than fitness. Staying physically active is one of the most reliable ways to support mental health, and the game grows confidence, focus, and resilience along the way. We coach the whole player, not just the shot.

Get Started Today

Ready to pick up a racket?

Sign up and we'll email you when sessions open in Cary, NC.