From February 2-5, our Varsity athletes competed in the second IASAS season of the academic year!
From Basketball at the International School Manila (ISM), Rugby and Touch at the Jakarta International School (JIS), Tennis at the Singapore American School, and Swimming right here at ISKL, it was fantastic to have yet another successful season of competition, camaraderie, and fun!
Here, we catch up with our very own ISKL-IASAS athletes and find out as a team what they were most proud of, their most memorable moments, and what advice they would give to fellow athletes taking part next season.
Here are their stories:
GIRLS BASKETBALL
(Words by Jess K. (‘23))
Describe your most memorable moment as a team during the IASAS tournament.
The most memorable moment as a team during the IASAS tournament was, after our last game, at the balcony outside of the International School Manila’s (ISM) high school gymnasium. It was where we shared our last team huddle, our last team chant of the season, and our last tears of the season. It was a special moment for our team as it showed how we got so much more out of this season than just playing basketball. We could see that a special bond had formed within our team, and at that moment, we were glad that we fought together no matter the score and who we were playing against.
As a team, what were you most proud of?
We were most proud of our improvement over the season, our tenacious and resilient attitude amidst our games, and how supportive we are as a team.
For some, this was their first time on a basketball team. For others, it had been a long time since they had played basketball; for all of us, this was our first IASAS basketball. Nevertheless, everyone would give everything they had in every game, even if they weren’t on the court. We would cheer each other on; whenever someone scored, you would see our bench clapping and screaming proudly.
Do you have any advice for ISKL athletes taking part in IASAS Season 3?
Remember to have fun and make memories with your team! Being part of a sports team is a great blessing, so make the most of the experience!
Finally and most importantly, take care of your body so that you don’t get injured and don’t have to miss out on any moment of the amazing season 🙂
BOYS RUGBY
(Words by Oscar R. (‘23))
Describe your most memorable moment as a team during the IASAS tournament.
One of the many memorable moments at IASAS Rugby 2023 was our last game, fighting for third place. We came into the game giving it our all but with the confidence that we had already beaten this team in the first round. At this moment, we encountered the truth behind the sport. As important as size, technique, and experience is, it comes down to which team has the most heart. We started the game losing 10-0, but once we refocused and got a good talk from our coaches, we all took a deep breath and started to fight. We were eventually paid off with a shiny bronze medal!
As a team, what were you most proud of?
After a tough loss in our fourth game against the tournament’s eventual winners, all the players slowly walked off the field. After saying thank you to the opposition and thank you to the supporters, many of us walked back hurt, disappointed, and with heads down. Our coaches, though, were not having it. They recognized how we played in the game and how much we wanted it. But they also wanted us to look forward to the rest of the tournament. They told us, “you guys can be disappointed right now, but the second we leave this huddle, we need to walk away heads up.” As we finished our chant, the entire team walked back to the athlete’s rest area, smiling and ready for the next day. And while we were disappointed in our loss, we used that loss as motivation and encouragement to do our absolute best in the remaining games.
Do you have any advice for ISKL athletes taking part in IASAS Season 3?
IASAS, no matter the sport or activity, is one of the unique experiences that ISKL provides. You can bond and enjoy the company of people you don’t regularly see, both in and out of your team. Moreover, IASAS welcomes everyone to indulge in healthy competition, which is always good fun. When at IASAS, please take advantage of every opportunity, whether introducing yourself to members of other teams or spending time with your hosts. Embrace the experience, and you will miss it the second you leave.
BOYS SWIMMING
(Words by Benjamin P. (‘23))
Describe your most memorable moment as a team during the IASAS tournament.
Everyone at IASAS is always chanting, cheering, or screaming to encourage each other to do their best!
My proudest moment of IASAS was screaming for my little brother as he broke his personal best time and won a medal in the A finals. By the end of IASAS, I was proud to have lost my voice supporting my team.
Having been to IASAS in 9th grade and hosting IASAS for Grade 12, I had friends I hadn’t seen since our first IASAS and was ecstatic to see three years later. That being said, IASAS is always an easy way to meet new people and develop friendships that will last through and past your years at ISKL.
As a team, what were you most proud of?
Our coaches pulled us out of the water when our team was getting back into the swimming groove. Coach Petra asked us to reflect on our current training and how we wanted to perform at IASAS. Our team still needed to be IASAS-ready, but our goal was to swim fast, earn medals, and place high. We knew it was going to be tough, but we wanted it.
With our boys’ and girls’ teams finishing third, I was beyond proud of our individual and collective accomplishments in the pool and by achieving our goal. It was a full-circle moment for the team!
Do you have any advice for ISKL athletes taking part in IASAS Season 3?
I advise any ISKL athlete in Season 3 to play your heart out and enjoy the ride. The opportunity to participate in IASAS is something special, unlike any other tournament or competition you have been to. Make sure to contribute to the positive energy of IASAS and do your best. Remember to cheer for your friends and have a good time.
Go Panthers!!!
GIRLS SWIMMING
(Words by Anne N. (‘23))
Describe your most memorable moment as a team during the IASAS tournament.
IASAS was an incredible experience where we all met incredible people from other schools. I will always remember the special moments that highlighted the spirit of IASAS. This was mainly during the finals when everyone made a tunnel for the finalists to run through. It was such a cheerful event where all the swimmers cheered on their teammates, which sparked joy and happiness.
As a team, what were you most proud of?
I am very proud of the team and the team spirit. We all cheered each other on for all the events, and as a team captain, I am very proud of everyone and their achievements. It’s especially heartwarming to see that everyone supported each other no matter the race’s outcome. I am also very proud of seeing the result of all the hard work we did together and seeing that commitment and hard work really pay off in the end.
Do you have any advice for ISKL athletes taking part in IASAS Season 3?
Enjoy every moment of it. The journey starts at the first practice and continues until the last day of IASAS. I strongly advise everyone to have fun and appreciate the whole experience because it is something you will remember for the rest of your life. Be an amazing teammate and supporter, and push yourself and each other. You will notice that your physical and mental limits are way beyond what you think, so don’t be afraid to challenge yourself!
GIRLS TENNIS
(Words by Margarida A. (‘25))
Describe your most memorable moment as a team during the IASAS tournament.
The most memorable moment in IASAS was all the times the team was together, either just resting until our next match or supporting the school.
As a team, what were you most proud of?
What I’m most proud of as a team was how our losses didn’t affect the team’s spirit. We always supported each other, losing or winning, so I’m proud that the team was always together until the end, no matter the outcome.
Do you have any advice for ISKL athletes taking part in IASAS Season 3?
The best advice to give is not to worry or get stressed before a game. I know the test is tough, but keeping yourself calm and confident will make you more confident of winning or less affected by a possible defeat.
BOYS TENNIS
(Words by Niklas A. (‘25))
Describe your most memorable moment as a team during the IASAS tournament.
The most memorable moments would have to be our small discussions after every game. The amount of camaraderie and support we gave each other were the most memorable parts we had as a team. These discussions allowed us a positive and fun time at IASAS this year, even though we might not have performed the best.
As a team, what were you most proud of?
We are most proud of our progress as a team, both individually during our games and in our bond as a team. At the beginning of this season, most of us were not well acquainted with each other making it a little awkward. However, by the end of the season, we bonded so much as a team, and we loved every moment we spent socializing.
Do you have any advice for ISKL athletes taking part in IASAS Season 3?
Make sure to have fun while participating in IASAS; winning should be your main priority. But I guarantee you that trying to look on the bright side of every loss will make your experience so much better. Take every loss standing up and remember that you will always have another chance.
GIRLS TOUCH
(Words by Alicia S. (‘24))
Describe your most memorable moment as a team during the IASAS tournament.
The most memorable moment as a team during IASAS was often after our games and when we were cheering on the boys because we were all feeling the same emotions together and going through the same thing. Although, the biggest moment that stuck out to us was when we won our consolation playoff games and 5th place. We had been playing strong throughout the season, and we knew going into IASAS that we were not the strongest team there by far, but we were ready to have fun, learn from the other groups, and grow as a team. When we won our final game, we all screamed and jumped up and down, running into each other’s arms with the biggest smile on our faces. Our ISKL boy’s rugby team was incredibly supportive; they ran out onto the pitch, cheering for us and giving us the biggest hugs. A big shout out to the parents who came and supported us, always leading cheers even though they didn’t always understand what was happening. It was an amazing bonding experience for us as a team and school.
As a team, what were you most proud of?
We were proud of how we had improved throughout the season and in the four days of IASAS. A few of us have never even picked up a touch rugby ball before, while others have had our touch rugby experience interrupted by Covid for around three years. So, it was truly amazing to have improved our skills this season. We were also able to learn during the IASAS tournament itself because we got to play against strong teams; for example, the International School Bangkok (ISB) girls are incredible, and we got to learn how to defend better and be more aware of our surroundings because of their excellent playing. Seeing my team improve as the days went on was a wonderful experience, and I’m so excited to see how much better we can get next year, even though we will be missing our beloved seniors.
Do you have any advice for ISKL athletes taking part in IASAS Season 3?
To the athletes taking part in the IASAS Season 3 sports, a piece of advice I would give you is; Make the most of your time. Sometimes the season seems long, but it goes by so quickly, and once you don’t have 2-hour training almost every day after school, it almost feels like a part of you is missing. Create an amazing, trusting bond with your teammates and your coaches. Yes, every sport has many ups and downs, but you’ll have the time of your life at IASAS. It’s definitely my best high school experience so far (even though we didn’t place or take home a medal!!) Also, make friends from other schools at IASAS; you’ll keep them forever. My brother graduated in 2017, and he still has some close friends that he made at IASAS tournaments.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.
