Panthers of ISKL #317: IASAS Season 1 2025-2026 Stars
The IASAS Season 1 event for the 2025-2026 academic year was another opportunity for ISKL students to shine and showcase their true Panther spirit. Varsity sports teams representing the school were Cross Country, Volleyball, and Soccer, with all members committed to working together toward a united goal of supporting one another, making memories, and building friendships.
We hear from nine athletes of the lASAS Season 1 to learn more about their experience and how they were inspired and motivated to participate and represent ISKL.
Here are their stories:
GIRLS SOCCER
Words by Eliza H. (‘26)
As a member of the Soccer team, what were you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of how much we’ve grown and improved as a team this season. Looking back at where we began, it’s truly inspiring to see how far we’ve come. We pushed beyond our limits, lifted each other, and kept fighting even when things got tough.
Although the final IASAS tournament didn’t end the way we hoped, and that was hard to accept, what truly showed who we are wasn’t the scoreboard. It was our effort, our heart, and our refusal to give in. Every single player gave everything they had. We played through pain, exhaustion, and frustration. There were tears, cramps, and moments when we could barely breathe, yet no one stopped fighting. Many of us still carry the battle scars to prove it.
That’s what makes me proud. We showed what true dedication looks like. We learned that success isn’t measured only by trophies or medals, but by the resilience, unity, and passion we bring to every game. In the end, we proved to ourselves that we’re capable of far more than we ever imagined, and no result can ever take that away.
Words by Vidisha Y. (‘27)
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
If you ever get that chance to be part of IASAS, I'll always say do it. It's so much more than a competition. It's where passion, teamwork, and school spirit come alive. IASAS brings together people who share the same drive and love for their sport, and you create something unforgettable. Everyone trains for the same months, but at IASAS, teams play with more heart, more energy, and more unity than ever before. It's an experience that shapes you, connects you, and stays with you long after it's over.
Words by Leonor A. (‘28)
Describe your most memorable moments as a team during the IASAS Soccer Tournament
Our most memorable moments as a team during the IASAS Soccer Tournament were definitely our team huddles before every match. Our team overcame a lot of hurdles before IASAS, like losing our only goalie to injury, and everyone was kind of everywhere, but our team huddles were always a time where everyone came together as a team, and agreed to do what we do best, and the only thing we can do which is put in all our effort into the game, and focus on right now. Although we didn’t get the results we hoped for, I think that these moments we shared as a team really brought us closer together and helped shape our minds and put things into the perspective that not everything will go our way, and that all we can count on is each other’s effort and willingness to give everything our all, and that is where we truly win.
BOYS SOCCER
Words by Isacc Y. (‘26)
Describe your most memorable moments as a team during the IASAS Soccer Tournament
The most memorable moment for me during IASAS was our game under the lights against ISB on the first day. As a team, we performed brilliantly with every player pushing themselves as hard as they could. After the game, even though we were down, I was truly inspired by the effort that my team had put in and could not have been prouder.
As a member of the Soccer team, what were you most proud of?
As a member of this football team, I was most proud of my fellow seniors, who set an unbelievable example of what it meant to be a varsity athlete. When our heads dropped, they were always the first ones to pick us up, and for this, I am very thankful and proud that we have built this culture within the team.
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
Some advice I would give other students who wish to participate in IASAS in future years is to put in the work. When you put in the work, your results will follow. Pay attention to the little details, from the field to the classroom, whether it is focusing on having a crisp first touch, or specific movements in the game, or even concentrating on your studies and getting an assignment done, the way you do one thing is the way you do everything, as bad habits tend to creep into your life.
As a Soccer team, how would you describe your Panther spirit?
As a team, our spirit was strong, never letting our heads drop, no matter the circumstances. This helped us in IASAS as we were able to pick each other up, while not dwelling on mistakes, which allowed us to focus on the next play.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Words by Helena S. (‘27)
Describe your most memorable moments as a team during the IASAS Cross Country tournament.
My most memorable moment was after the 5K race - it was really tough. The air quality was bad, and it was super hot and sunny. I’m so proud of everyone on the team because we all pushed through and did well. The boys ran first, so we cheered for them, and then they supported us during our race.
The whole IASAS atmosphere was so positive, and everyone was genuinely happy for each other. After my race, some girls from other schools came up to congratulate me, and I talked with them for a while. That moment really stood out to me because it showed that cross country isn’t just about racing; it’s also about connecting with new people and sharing the experience. It was amazing to compete with so many great athletes and talk to them.
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
In my opinion, cross country is one of the hardest sports because it’s so individual and competitive. It can be really rewarding, but also exhausting. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel disappointed sometimes, but you shouldn’t give up — use it as motivation to train harder. Try not to make excuses and keep training even in the off-season. One of the most important things in running is to leave everything on the course so you know you gave it your all.
I’d also recommend talking to people from other schools and having fun. Be social, enjoy the experience, and make memories with your team and others. IASAS is such an amazing opportunity, and we’re lucky to meet so many great people, so don’t spend it just studying in a corner! And before the race, I like to listen to some hype songs to get in the right mindset.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Words by Zi Hong C. (‘26)
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
For those looking to try out a new sport, come out and give cross country a try! Cross country is definitely a sport unlike most others in the sense that the physical demands are only half the battle – when you line up on the starting line, it is the mental toughness that decides the few seconds between winning and losing. Some may find that cross country isn't the sport for them (hey, I get it!), but I think I can say confidently that regardless of whether they enjoyed it or not, everyone I've met that gave cross country a try can acknowledge they gained something indispensable from it and left the season not just a stronger runner, but a stronger person. The grit, persistence, and pain of this sport shape you thoroughly, and you learn so much from pushing yourself to your limit that it transfers to other facets of your life, both in the classroom and on the course.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Words by Yu Hsuan (Karen) L. (‘26)
Describe your most memorable moments as a team during the IASAS Volleyball Tournament
One of the most memorable moments from this IASAS was at the banquet on the last day. The entire team squished around one small table just enjoying each other's company.
As a member of the Volleyball team, what were you most proud of?
I'm most proud of how the team has progressed throughout the season and in IASAS. As a team, not only have people's skills developed tremendously, but the cohesion has improved a lot. At the beginning of the year, our playing style was quite messy and chaotic. But by the time IASAS rolled around, people started understanding their roles on the court, and we started playing more like an organized team.
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
Be the teammate you'd want to play with, train off-season, and just play the game.
As a Volleyball team, how would you describe your Panther spirit?
I think that our team relies heavily on energy, which is exactly what each person has to bring to every point. During IASAS, if we ever made a mistake, we would dab or dance it off. If we made a kill, we all had our own celebrations, which made playing so much more fun.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Words by Chanjin (Jordan) K. (‘26)
Describe your most memorable moments as a team during the IASAS Volleyball Tournament?
The most memorable moment during IASAS was beating SAS. Despite it being my third IASAS, this was the first time we beat them. It reminded us how much we had grown as a team. Beyond the wins against ISM and SAS, the energy we created together was also memorable. Walking off the court together for the last time, knowing we left everything on the floor, made this tournament even more meaningful.
As a member of the Volleyball team, what were you most proud of?
I’m most proud of our grit. Despite numerous setbacks and injuries leading up to IASAS, we never stopped playing for each other. Every point was fought with heart, even when the odds weren’t in our favor. Furthermore, this year we had a very young squad. As captain, watching our younger team mates perform at such a high level in a high-pressure situation made me extremely proud. Coming back against ISM with a two-set deficit embodied our unwavering determination and will to fight for one another.
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
My advice to other students would be to be the teammate you’d want to have. Volleyball is a sport that requires strong teamwork, and without being an encouraging, reliable, and humble teammate, the team dynamic will fall apart. Finally, trust your preparation, and when things get difficult, trust your teammates more.
As a Volleyball team, how would you describe your Panther spirit?
Our Panther spirit was built on perseverance. Even when results didn’t go our way, we showed up for each other with energy and belief. That determination kept us competitive against the toughest schools and helped us walk away proud of how we represented ISKL. We weren’t the flashiest team, but we were relentless. That determination was our identity.
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.