But after 11 months of training in the University of Ballarat WestVic Academy and the JumpSmash Badminton program, the 14-year-old now aims to play in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

"That is the aim that the (JumpSmash) group has," Bethany said.

"It was quite tough to learn some of the rules, but once you do the game is easy to follow.

"I've met a lot of new people from Geelong and Castlemaine who come down to train (in Ballarat)."

Bethany first picked up a badminton racquet when she was playing on her grandmother's front lawn.

She didn't know that Ballarat had produced a number of Olympic badminton players.

"I'm just finding these things out," she said.

It wasn't until current coach and former Olympian Rhonda Cator visited her school that Bethany decided to try a new sport.

"I didn't have a clue when I started that Rhonda was an Olympian, but it is a pretty good feeling learning from someone like that," Bethany said.

"We have lots of fun and laughs while we're training and manage to get a lot done in the process.

"I still play netball and athletics but wanted to try a new sport. I didn't know anything about badminton."

Ballarat badminton was represented at the Olympics by Erin Carroll and previously, Stuart and Ashley Brehaut have worn Australian colours.

Ballarat also produces a good stock of badminton players who have starred in international tournaments held in Australia and New Zealand.

Bethany didn't make her tournament debut until recently when she played in Ballarat and Altona in teams competitions.

"I am under 17, so it is quite tough to win, but you still get points for it," she said.

"I think I will stick at (badminton) as long as I can I enjoy everything about it and the people are just great."

But it is the differences in the sport that Bethany loves.

"Because I haven't played it before it is a new experience and a totally different sport to what I have ever played," she said.

"The program has everything set out and planned so that we have something to achieve at the end."

The Year 9 Ballarat & Clarendon College student still plays other sports and recently made it through to the second round of Ballarat netball talent squad.

"I played (Wednesday) night. It is my second year in under-15," Bethany said.

"I still do athletics on Saturdays, but that is just to see people.

"I was really good when I was young but now just do a different event each week."

But in the near future Bethany has set herself the goal of making a singles final.

"I have made finals in doubles and mixed but not singles," she said.

"I also want to make the Victorian team or win a tournament."