Written by: Isabella

Edited by: Grace & Audrey

Visual by: Sofia

Amidst all the schoolwork, plays, and games, IASAS season hangs especially high in the air, particularly for our ISM Athletes. This isn’t just another tournament, however; to us, IASAS is the event of the year – our very own version of the Olympics. The stakes are sky-high, and the energy on campus is electric. It’s not only ISM students who are watching closely; people from other international schools across the region are tuning in, too. The pressure is on, and every team knows it.

But in the midst of all the cheers and anticipation, there’s one team that especially stands out: the Boys’ Volleyball team. In past years, they’ve carried a tough reputation, struggling to break free from a long losing streak that’s become hard to ignore in the ISM community. Despite the whispers and the doubts surrounding them, this year’s team remains focused on working hard and improving throughout the season. The question is: will they finally make a comeback, or will history repeat itself? And more importantly, what are they doing to turn things around?

“They’ve definitely got tough competition, and looking at our history for IASAS wins for guys, it’s definitely gonna be a challenge…they just need to push and fight for it,” says Bella, an opposite hitter for the girls’ varsity team. Her words capture a common sentiment among many across ISM: the boys’ volleyball team has talent and potential, but the limited practice time before IASAS remains one of their biggest deterrents. 

Because of that shorter season, every practice counts. The team’s chemistry and energy on the court are undeniable, but turning that into consistent results takes more than passion and love for the game; it takes consistent preparation and time to refine their connection as a team. One of the players reflects on this challenge, looking back at what went wrong in previous seasons and what they’re doing differently this year. 

The effects of not having year-round practices are clear in how the team interacts on the court. Without consistent time to train together throughout the year, players struggle to develop the trust and rhythm that come from longer preparation periods. Ezra, a player on the boys’ varsity team, believes that one of the biggest factors affecting their performance is a lack of team spirit. He admits that “People get mad at each other when they make mistakes,” highlighting that tension may arise and support slackens as the pressure mounts. 

In a sport that relies so heavily on trust and communication, even the smallest cracks in a team can dismantle their teamwork entirely and throw off the pace of a game. The lack of strong bonding, Ezra explains, often made it harder for the team to stay positive and support each other during tough times.

Another major factor is the limited time the team has to train together, which directly affects their ability to improve consistently. Unlike other IASAS teams, such as Dance Co., which practice year-round to perfect their routines, the boys’ volleyball team only begins intensive training a few months before the competitions start. These other teams have months to refine every move and build strong connections with one another, something the players believe would make all the difference for them if they had the same opportunity. “The problem with us is that most of us are new players and if not new, we don’t know each other,” says Dilan, another player on the team. Without that extended preparation time, building chemistry and developing a consistent play style become much harder.

But what is the team doing to improve from these setbacks? 

For Ezra, it all starts with effort outside the court. “I would say putting in the work in the off-season and focusing on muscular strength,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of the off-season as a crucial time for growth, a chance for players to stay active, sharpen their skills, and maintain consistency even before official practices start. Rather than seeing it as downtime, Ezra sees the off-season as an opportunity to prepare early and stay ready for IASAS.

Of course, it’s not just about the physical side. “The most important thing is our mentality, which separates us, winners and losers,” mentions Dylan. The team has been focusing on staying mentally tough: learning to reset after mistakes, keeping calm under pressure, and pushing through when games get intense. That shift in mindset, he believes, could be what finally helps them break their streak.

And for Bella, improvement also means maintaining strong connections. “Even in the off-season, just keeping up all your relationships will help all the team players,” she says. Staying close as teammates, even when they’re not practicing, helps build the trust and chemistry that make a real difference once they’re back on the court.

As the IASAS season draws closer, all eyes are on the boys’ volleyball team; not just to see if they’ll win, but to see how far they’ve come. After years of setbacks, the team is fighting to change its story. They’re putting in more effort in their training, focusing on building strength and endurance to prepare for the challenges ahead. They’re also shifting their mindset, learning to stay focused and supportive even when the pressure is on. off the court, they’re building stronger bonds, maintaining relationships that strengthen their trust and communication as a team.

It’s clear that the team isn’t just chasing a trophy, but also chasing growth. Win or lose, this season stands as proof of how much effort, heart, and resilience they’ve put into becoming better athletes, teammates, and competitors.