Panthers of ISKL #305: Noah Sturrock - The Basketball Coach
Winning the IASAS championship at home last year was the highlight of my coaching career, no question. The joy and shared battles during that run have united us all for life, and I plan to stay in touch with those players, just as I do with my past coach.
Meet Noah Sturrock, a dedicated HS Physical Education teacher and Varsity Basketball coach. Hailing from Canada, Noah's passion for education and sports has propelled him on a remarkable journey that has led him all the way to Malaysia.
Join us as we explore Noah’s experiences, including his heartfelt return to ISKL and the thrilling moments that culminated in winning the 2024-2025 IASAS basketball championship.
Here is Noah’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born and grew up in Canada, where many friends and family still reside. In many ways, it's still home for me and a place I love bringing my family every year.
After graduating from university, I took two years to work and travel before attending a teacher's college, which ignited a travel bug.
I have been working abroad ever since, obtaining my teaching degree in Scotland, working in the UK for a few years, then in China, and finally coming to Malaysia and ISKL. This is actually my second time at ISKL; I was initially here from 2014 to 2018, then left to go to Colombia to scratch a little Latin itch. Once I left, I truly understood how great ISKL was and returned with my family.
When and why did you join ISKL?
The school's reputation influenced my decision to join ISKL initially. The principals and Head of School really sold it to me, making it seem silly not to join, and it lived up to my expectations.
After leaving ISKL, it put some things in perspective, which brought me back for a second time! The primary reasons for returning were the culture and the people. By this time, I had had my daughter and knew that ISKL is a great place to teach and an even better place to be a student. I returned for what ISKL offers not just in the classroom, but in terms of culture and the community feel it brings.
Can you tell us more about your HS Physical Education Teacher position? What are your daily activities? What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
Being a PE teacher and staying active every day is super important to me, helping me stay young and fit. I consider it pretty special that this is part of my job!
I enjoy working with kids; every day brings new interactions and challenges. It keeps me engaged and active at all times! I love watching students grow as people and work through challenges to be better versions of themselves. Witnessing students mature from Grade 9 to Grade 12 is a special experience. I feel lucky to have this job, and doing it for the right reason gives me a strong sense of pride.
We understand that you are the coach for the Varsity Basketball team. Please tell us more about your coaching journey. How did it feel winning the gold for IASAS basketball in the 2024-2025 season?
I have coached Varsity Basketball for 15 years, since my first teaching job, starting in the UK at a school that lacked a coach and a three-point line, where I helped make basketball an integral part of the culture. Coaching offers a different persona compared to teaching, which I enjoy. My own basketball coach inspired me to become a teacher because of how he motivated and inspired me as a teenager.
Winning the IASAS championship at home last year was the highlight of my coaching career, no question. This was a three-year journey with fellow coach Sim Huang. We took over the Varsity team after the pandemic and worked hard to rebuild back the hard work and team culture needed to be a winning program. The team was a special group of guys, and by the end, we were like family, fighting for one another. The joy and shared battles during that run have united us all for life, and I plan to stay in touch with those players, just as I do with my past coach.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
Since becoming a dad to a four-year-old and a one-year-old, much of my after-work time is spent busy with my children. Activities include being in the pool, going on hikes, riding bikes, or playing on playgrounds, trying to stay active and enjoy the outdoors with friends.
Growing up in Canada, the outdoors has always been a part of who I am, with summers spent on the lake paddleboarding, canoeing, fishing, sailing, and hiking. I try to do these activities as much as possible when we return to Malaysia.
When I'm home, I love to cook and try to involve my kids in the kitchen. Finding new dishes and eating are also key interests, especially in Malaysia. I also enjoy a good book or movie when I can get into one!
Which Panther superlative best describes you?
🐾The Most Onz Panther – (Onz means nothing is impossible)
Share why you chose this superlative and how it shows your Panther spirit!
I’m The Most Onz Panther because that was one of our lines during our championship run….anything is possible!!!
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka (Like) ISKL because… ISKL is special to me due to its culture and community. This encompasses what is done in the classroom with children, relationships with colleagues in the office, and the way the community comes together to support and help one another, making it a special place.
What does ISKL’s Vision statement, “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world,” mean to you?
This motto means that if everyone can achieve this, we're better people and in a better place for it. It summarizes the golden rule I grew up with: treat people how you want to be treated, and it's about looking after oneself and others to create a better world, making it a place everyone wants to be.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member 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.