Panthers of ISKL #326: IASAS Season 2 2025-2026 Panthers
The IASAS Season 2 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 Basketball, Rugby, Touch Rugby, Swimming, and Tennis, with all individuals uniting towards the goal of representing ISKL, supporting one another, and inspiring others in the field of their specialist sport.
Here we meet seven athletes of IASAS Season 2 to read more about their experience and how they were inspired and motivated to participate in IASAS and represent ISKL.
Here are their stories:
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Words by Sofia Y. (‘28)
Tell us more about some of the preparation you did to participate in IASAS
I did a lot of work by myself in the off-season to develop my skills further. I also went to all of the season 4 sessions and pre-season trainings before the season started, which is really important to do if you wish to participate in IASAS.
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
I would say that if you wish to participate in IASAS in the future, it’s really important that you work very hard in Junior Varsity to show your coaches your dedication and commitment to the sport, even if you're not in varsity.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Words by Aarav J. (‘26)
Tell us more about some of the preparation you did to participate in IASAS
Before our final IASAS tournament, we played a lot of games on the weekends, often two in a day, so that we would be able to emulate the same tiring conditions as IASAS. In exchange, we came 3rd out of four schools, and knew that there was a lot to be desired in our team. We trained four times a week and held each other accountable for all our actions. We relentlessly refined our plays such that they were second nature to us, and we were able to function as a team without a thought. Moreover, in the process, our team grew not only as individuals but as a family, as we all grew closer.
Describe your most memorable moments as a Basketball team during the IASAS Tournament?
During IASAS last year, my most memorable memory was the final three minutes of the IASAS finals, the moments leading up to our victory. I find this most memorable because the game was extremely close and tensions were at an all-time high. The crowd was going wild after every bucket, and every single person on our team gave all the effort they had that game and left it all on the court. When the game finally ended, we all ran to each other and celebrated while the ISKL crowd stormed the court. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and I felt grateful to be a part of it.
GIRLS TOUCH RUGBY
Words by Daphne L. (‘27)
Describe your feelings leading up to IASAS
The lead up for IASAS has always been an anticipated moment. As we have grown so much as a team, we were excited to play against the other schools. Having played Twin Towers before, we came to really know each other's styles on the pitch and were able to play with fluidity and trust. I was super excited not only because we were playing in the cold, but also because I had confidence in the team. I knew I could trust each player on the pitch to play to the best of their ability and give it their all in every game.
As a member of the Touch Rugby team, what were you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the connection and dedication these girls have to the sport. I’ve been on this team for three years, and I can confidently say that this has been the team that I’ve loved being a part of the most. Without a doubt, every training would end with us feeling lighter and better than we started. I’m proud that we have all connected and played together, because these girls have made this sport so much more fun!!
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in IASAS in future years?
I think if an athlete wants to participate in IASAS, they can. If they put in the work outside of training, putting their 110% into everything they do, and learning from their mistakes, whether that is dealing with the losses/mistakes or with the mistakes within the sport itself. I think if an athlete is passionate enough about their sport, they will want to put in the work to be better, and enjoying the sport, in my opinion, is one of the most important things when it comes to playing a sport. You could be an incredible athlete, but having no passion or love for a sport can be draining and result in other issues. So working hard and enjoying the process would be my biggest piece of advice.
BOYS RUGBY
Words by Nico A. (‘26)
Describe your feelings leading up to IASAS
IASAS Rugby has always been the highlight of my High School years, from being the first freshman on the IASAS rugby team since 2018 to being a senior and playing alongside my friends. The feelings coming up to IASAS rugby are complicated because, even though I feel nervous about how the team is going to perform and how I'm going to perform, the feeling of joy and pride of playing 6 matches of the game I love in three days overpowers my stress by a long shot.
Describe your most memorable moments as a Rugby team during the IASAS Tournament
My most memorable moment in IASAS rugby was probably during the 2024 tournament, not because we performed well or placed highly, but because of the connection that all the boys and girls shared that year. I still remember going for a conversion and hearing my IASAS wife at the time cheer me on, and then realising just how many people were cheering for us. It was an indescribable feeling that will stick with me forever, especially because they kept on cheering no matter the score.
As a member of the Rugby team, what were you most proud of?
As Rugby Co-captain with Martin H. (‘26), I am most proud of how people have acted after losses. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they find aspects of the game that the team can improve on and that they can improve on. This helps ensure that we don't focus too much on the losses themselves, but instead the lessons that we can learn from them so that the team doesn't lose morale, but gains a stronger fighting spirit.
GIRLS SWIMMING
Words by Kaya E. (‘26)
Describe your feelings leading up to IASAS
With my final IASAS approaching, I can’t help but have mixed feelings. Swimming has always been an important part of my life, competitively swimming from when I was five years old and joining the varsity team as a freshman in high school. For the past 4 years, I have dedicated a significant amount of my high school experience to my sport. Every year, I have spent countless hours training in the mornings, during school holidays, and the off-season in preparation for the IASAS conference at the end of the season. IASAS has always been a highlight of my year. From hosting at ISKL in ninth grade to traveling to Taiwan last year, the excitement, spirit, and community of the athletes have always been contagious. Building new friendships and cheering teammates on never fails to make my experience memorable, regardless of my individual performance. While enthusiastic to see the results of my efforts and travel to Singapore for another fun experience, I feel bittersweet knowing that my swimming journey in high school is coming to a close. Swimming will always be meaningful to me, and I will carry the memories I made on this team for years to come. I hope to finish this season strong and not take any moments of my final IASAS for granted.
As a member of the Swimming team, what were you most proud of?
As a member of the varsity swimming team, I am most proud of the perseverance demonstrated by both myself and my teammates throughout this season. It is not easy to get out of bed and be at school by 6.00 am every single day of the year and attend swim meets on the weekends, while also balancing school work and a social life. With little credit, this sport requires a kind of motivation and commitment that not everyone recognizes. Although many of my teammates have only been swimming for some time, they consistently show up to the pool with their best attitude. When they participate in competitions that they are unfamiliar with, such as Invitationals, they never let getting out of their comfort zone affect the effort they put into the water. While many of them are still underclassmen, my team has a determination and passion for this sport that I know will take them far.
BOYS SWIMMING
Words by Tommy P. (‘26)
Tell us more about some of the preparation you did to participate in IASAS
The IASAS season just involves determination and discipline. It is long hours in the pool, making sure to eat well, sleep well, and not get injured playing basketball with your friends. We train roughly six times a week, always in the mornings at 6.00 am, and while it is hard to always have the motivation to wake up that early, we can always rely on the team to support each other, and of course, keep our eye on the goal: to do the best we can at IASAS.
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
For anyone who wishes to participate in IASAS, all they have to keep in mind is that it is a lot of work to get to where they want to be. But, they shouldn't be discouraged, as if you truly want it and are willing to put in that work, you will succeed.
GIRLS TENNIS
Words by Anjana M. (‘28)
Describe your most memorable moments as a Tennis team during the IASAS Tournament
One of my most memorable moments was after a match that I personally lost. Although I was disappointed, both teams came together afterward to shake hands and talk. That experience reminded me that respect and sportsmanship are more important than the result and helped me view the loss as an opportunity to learn and grow.
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
My advice would be not to focus only on winning or losing. I was very stressed before IASAS, but I learned that enjoying the experience and learning from it is what truly matters. The IASAS community is friendly and supportive, which makes the tournament a memorable experience.
BOYS TENNIS
Words by Subaru I. (‘26)
Describe your most memorable moments as a Tennis team during the IASAS Tournament
One of the best moments I have from IASAS is the Team dinner on the last day of my first IASAS in Grade 10 where we relive the memories made from the past few days. The atmosphere was very welcoming, and everybody talked with great excitement. I understood that IASAS is not all about competition, but the interaction between people who enjoy the same sport as you.
What advice would you give other students who wish to participate in the IASAS in future years?
Talk to as many people as possible. Engage in conversation, and IASAS would become the best memory of your life.
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.