Panthers of ISKL #274: Anna S.(‘30) - The All-Round Athlete
"My advice for kids who want to play multiple sports (in Middle School especially), get ready to work hard and give everything you have. Also, get ready to do a bunch of splints and put in your best effort, especially if you get Mr. Mc Tigue as your coach!”
From snowy Sakhalin to the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, Anna S. (’30) has had quite the journey. She joined ISKL in Grade 2 after moving from Russia, and while her first days were marked by shyness, that quickly changed thanks to the support of an amazing teacher and the welcoming ISKL community.
Fast forward to today, Anna is a passionate multi-sport athlete whose dedication and love for competition are matched only by her deep appreciation for her teammates and coaches. Whether she's hitting layups on the basketball court, scoring goals in soccer, spiking volleyballs, or darting across the field in Touch Rugby, Anna brings energy, resilience, and a team-first mindset to everything she does.
Here is Anna’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself? Which grade did you join ISKL?
My name is Anna, and I am from Houston, Texas. My expat story started when I was two years old, and my family moved to a tiny snow-covered island in Russia called Sakhalin.
When I was seven, we moved to KL and joined ISKL in Grade 2.
What were your first days of school like?
I can't remember much, but I remember being very shy for my first week of school and not knowing any kids outside my class. I had the best Grade 2 teacher ever, Mr. Alex Lancia. He is still one of my favorite teachers. He was very patient and calm and helped me grow my confidence in my first year.
How did you first get into basketball, volleyball, and football? What do you love most about playing multiple sports?
I've always loved basketball. I grew up playing basketball almost every day with my two older brothers (Stephen - G11 and Jonathan - G9). During the Covid lockdown, we were lucky enough to have two basketball hoops in our front yard. My parents made me play basketball for PE class. I would make 25 left and right-handed layups and 50 jump shots daily. Also, my brothers and I would play king of the court every night. I learned a lot from Coach Ashby and Coach Collins in basketball season and am so thankful for them.
I'm relatively new to soccer, having only played for three years. Mr. McTigue has encouraged me during my soccer seasons and let me play with the U15 team this year. I've grown to love the sport because of the amazing teams I've been on throughout the years. It was great getting to know Grade 8 and 9 students on the U15 team.
I've been playing school volleyball for two years now but didn't get to travel to Jakarta this year because I was sick. The team did great and won first place. Over the years, my coach, Ms. Ashby, has taught me a lot about the sport, and I wouldn't have the skills I have now without my coach and teammates.
Lastly, I've also played Touch Rugby for two years. Now, my dad and Mr. McTigue might argue if it's a real sport or not, but no matter what, I've loved playing Touch over the years. To me, every sport I've played has been a mixture of extreme highs, extreme lows, hard work, and sometimes pain.
The thing I've loved the most about playing multiple sports is that I get to experience different types of teamwork, and I play multiple roles in every one of my sports. My absolute favorite part of ISKL sports is the coaches. They give everyone unlimited support and tips, and I can't thank them enough.
If you could advise younger students who want to play multiple sports, what would it be?
For other kids who want to play multiple sports (in Middle School especially), get ready to work hard and give everything you have. Also, get ready to do a bunch of splints and put in your best effort, especially if you get Mr. Mc Tigue as your coach!
Please tell us what CCAs you are involved in and why.
I'm involved in sports activities such as Basketball, Soccer, Touch Rugby, and Volleyball because I love to compete. I've also been involved in school plays in Grades 5 and 6 because I love music and performing with my friends.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
Outside of sports, which take up most of my time, I also love hiking, reading, cooking, and listening to music.
I hiked Mount Kinabalu (4000+ meters) with my family when I was 10 years old, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was extremely difficult, but we made it to the top!
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I haven't put a lot of thought into my future, but I hope to find a career in something that inspires me. I get energy from being around people and being outside. Maybe I'll be a PE teacher :)
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
My grandparents (Dad's parents) have inspired me because of how giving and selfless they are. They spent the majority of their lives serving others in the Philippines. Now, even in retirement, they are serving the local community in Texas. Over the summer, I was able to help my Grams teach her English as a Second Language class to the Hispanic community back home. She teaches this class for free simply to show them love.
My other grandparents (my mother's parents) have also influenced me to be a hard worker. My Papa worked long hours in oil and gas, and my Noni was an elementary teacher for 30 years. Even after working long hours, they would use their free time to take care of the ranch and cattle. I have loved spending time with them when they travel to the ranch to work.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
My favorite moment in ISKL was beating the Jakarta International School (JIS) in the Twin Towers basketball tournament. It was great to know that we were good enough to beat a very good school from Jakarta. After a great sequence in the game, their coach called a timeout. I'll never forget Coach Collins saying that we just put the nail in the coffin. :)
What does "Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world" mean to you?
To me, this means doing your part to create a better world. Being a peacemaker and putting others first is very important because the world is full of conflict and selfishness. I hope I do my part to be a good friend, a student, a sister, and a daughter.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, 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.
"My advice for kids who want to play multiple sports (in Middle School especially), get ready to work hard and give everything you have. Also, get ready to do a bunch of splints and put in your best effort, especially if you get Mr. Mc Tigue as your coach!”
From snowy Sakhalin to the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, Anna S. (’30) has had quite the journey. She joined ISKL in Grade 2 after moving from Russia, and while her first days were marked by shyness, that quickly changed thanks to the support of an amazing teacher and the welcoming ISKL community.
Fast forward to today, Anna is a passionate multi-sport athlete whose dedication and love for competition are matched only by her deep appreciation for her teammates and coaches. Whether she's hitting layups on the basketball court, scoring goals in soccer, spiking volleyballs, or darting across the field in Touch Rugby, Anna brings energy, resilience, and a team-first mindset to everything she does.
Here is Anna’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself? Which grade did you join ISKL?
My name is Anna, and I am from Houston, Texas. My expat story started when I was two years old, and my family moved to a tiny snow-covered island in Russia called Sakhalin.
When I was seven, we moved to KL and joined ISKL in Grade 2.
What were your first days of school like?
I can't remember much, but I remember being very shy for my first week of school and not knowing any kids outside my class. I had the best Grade 2 teacher ever, Mr. Alex Lancia. He is still one of my favorite teachers. He was very patient and calm and helped me grow my confidence in my first year.
How did you first get into basketball, volleyball, and football? What do you love most about playing multiple sports?
I've always loved basketball. I grew up playing basketball almost every day with my two older brothers (Stephen - G11 and Jonathan - G9). During the Covid lockdown, we were lucky enough to have two basketball hoops in our front yard. My parents made me play basketball for PE class. I would make 25 left and right-handed layups and 50 jump shots daily. Also, my brothers and I would play king of the court every night. I learned a lot from Coach Ashby and Coach Collins in basketball season and am so thankful for them.
I'm relatively new to soccer, having only played for three years. Mr. McTigue has encouraged me during my soccer seasons and let me play with the U15 team this year. I've grown to love the sport because of the amazing teams I've been on throughout the years. It was great getting to know Grade 8 and 9 students on the U15 team.
I've been playing school volleyball for two years now but didn't get to travel to Jakarta this year because I was sick. The team did great and won first place. Over the years, my coach, Ms. Ashby, has taught me a lot about the sport, and I wouldn't have the skills I have now without my coach and teammates.
Lastly, I've also played Touch Rugby for two years. Now, my dad and Mr. McTigue might argue if it's a real sport or not, but no matter what, I've loved playing Touch over the years. To me, every sport I've played has been a mixture of extreme highs, extreme lows, hard work, and sometimes pain.
The thing I've loved the most about playing multiple sports is that I get to experience different types of teamwork, and I play multiple roles in every one of my sports. My absolute favorite part of ISKL sports is the coaches. They give everyone unlimited support and tips, and I can't thank them enough.
If you could advise younger students who want to play multiple sports, what would it be?
For other kids who want to play multiple sports (in Middle School especially), get ready to work hard and give everything you have. Also, get ready to do a bunch of splints and put in your best effort, especially if you get Mr. Mc Tigue as your coach!
Please tell us what CCAs you are involved in and why.
I'm involved in sports activities such as Basketball, Soccer, Touch Rugby, and Volleyball because I love to compete. I've also been involved in school plays in Grades 5 and 6 because I love music and performing with my friends.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
Outside of sports, which take up most of my time, I also love hiking, reading, cooking, and listening to music.
I hiked Mount Kinabalu (4000+ meters) with my family when I was 10 years old, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was extremely difficult, but we made it to the top!
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I haven't put a lot of thought into my future, but I hope to find a career in something that inspires me. I get energy from being around people and being outside. Maybe I'll be a PE teacher :)
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
My grandparents (Dad's parents) have inspired me because of how giving and selfless they are. They spent the majority of their lives serving others in the Philippines. Now, even in retirement, they are serving the local community in Texas. Over the summer, I was able to help my Grams teach her English as a Second Language class to the Hispanic community back home. She teaches this class for free simply to show them love.
My other grandparents (my mother's parents) have also influenced me to be a hard worker. My Papa worked long hours in oil and gas, and my Noni was an elementary teacher for 30 years. Even after working long hours, they would use their free time to take care of the ranch and cattle. I have loved spending time with them when they travel to the ranch to work.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
My favorite moment in ISKL was beating the Jakarta International School (JIS) in the Twin Towers basketball tournament. It was great to know that we were good enough to beat a very good school from Jakarta. After a great sequence in the game, their coach called a timeout. I'll never forget Coach Collins saying that we just put the nail in the coffin. :)
What does "Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world" mean to you?
To me, this means doing your part to create a better world. Being a peacemaker and putting others first is very important because the world is full of conflict and selfishness. I hope I do my part to be a good friend, a student, a sister, and a daughter.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, 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.