Spring sport athletes competed in their respective AISA tournaments on April 10-11, with many teams bringing home podium finishes. The boys varsity soccer team traveled to KISJ, placing no. 2 in the tournament, narrowly falling to Yokohama International School in a 1-0 defeat.
A couple of days before the tournament, the team had faced a series of rain delays and flight cancellations, resulting in hesitance regarding the team’s participation in the tournament. In the end, the team successfully arrived in Jeju one day later than intended, reviving their determination to perform well and bring out their best.
“This year’s AISA tournament was full of ups and downs,” Tony Sohn (10), boys varsity soccer captain, said. “Not only were all the games full of intensity and drama, but the process of actually getting to Jeju was more chaotic. At one point, the entire team thought that this year’s tournament would be canceled due to rain.”
The varsity badminton team also had a successful tournament at Kaohsiung American School in Taiwan, with the boys finishing no. 1 and girls finishing no. 2 in a combined result of second place overall. The boys team also brought back several first-place finishes in boys singles and boys doubles, showcasing a significant improvement compared to last year’s tournament. All athletes were also able to experience the Taiwanese nightlife with their respective homestays, an experience that most students will most likely never forget.
“This year’s tournament was unforgettable,” Justin Hong (12), boys varsity badminton captain, said. “I think apart from the results themselves, the team was able to grow closer together and create a stronger bond, an aspect of varsity sports which I think is essential.”
The varsity girls soccer team stayed in Korea for their AISA tournament, which took place at KIS. The team pushed through the intense competition to finish fifth, with each player giving it their all until the very end.
“I think the team really put in their best effort this year,” Katie Hong (10), girls varsity soccer player, said. “It was very inspiring to see my upperclassmen encourage younger players to push through the difficulties, even when things were not looking too good for the team.”
