QIKIQTARJUAQ/BROUGHTON ISLAND - She's got a wicked right backhand smash that sends the shuttlecock to the ground and leaves opponents trembling at their knees.

Thanks to her superb skills on the badminton court, Qikiqtarjuaq's Jenny Mosesie will represent Nunavut at the Canada Winter Games in Halifax, Feb. 11 to 27.

"The key is not to think too much," said the Grade 10 student at Inuksuit School as to her strategy when she takes to the court at the school gym or at a competition.

The 15-year-old said she has only been playing badminton for the last three years and was encouraged by her friends to give the sport a shot.

"I thought it was cool and fun," Mosesie said initially.

With hard work, practice three times a week and commitment, Mosesie has improved.

Though, she and her seven teammates only get to play at one or two tournaments a year with the last one in Iqaluit in November, Mosesie has earned two golds - one in girls singles and the second in girls doubles.

Mosesie has already competed at the Arctic Winter Games and is a triple threat as she plays singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

Mosesie said she prefers playing singles as she doesn't have to rely on anyone else to get the job done.

Badminton isn't the only sport she enjoys as she also is an avid basketball, soccer and volleyball player.

"Sports make me healthy and they make you move around a lot," she said.

With the games fast approaching she is putting in extra practising time and also exercising at home.

When not playing sports, Mosesie is active in the community's Junior Ranger program.

Mosesie's mother could not be more proud of all her daughter's accomplishments.

"My Mom always says: 'Panik, you're such a role model,'" said Mosesie, rolling her eyes in embarrassment as any teenager would.

Also proud is her badminton coach Jonathan Brooks.

"It gives her confidence and brings pride to the community and the school," he said.

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