The Thunder Bolt

This year, Concordia Hanoi’s student athletes embarked on a back-to-back journey to Jakarta, where both High School and Middle School teams competed in the annual ASAC tournaments, representing their school and community. These tournaments, hosted by ACG, offered not only athletic challenges but also a gateway to new cultures, friendships, and lifelong memories.

Concordia’s varsity boys and girls volleyball teams participated in a thrilling three-day tournament. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as matches unfolded across three venues, involving ten determined teams. Early rounds tested stamina and nerves. The girls blazed to a 2-1 opening day record while the boys navigated a tough pool, finishing 1-3.

For the girls, the first day brought a unique challenge as they competed on outdoor courts under unpredictable conditions. Adjusting to the heat and uneven surfaces tested their adaptability, yet they stayed composed and focused, showcasing impressive resilience. Meanwhile, the boys faced fierce opponents that pushed their limits from the start. Though the boys' results on the first day were difficult, they came together, reflected on their play, and entered the next day with renewed intensity and determination, ready to bounce back stronger.

The boys experienced a turning point in the tournament on day two. They  competed against ISHMIC, one of the tournament’s favorites, and pulled off a crucial win, igniting hopes for a podium finish. Their semi-final clash with Logos was also a grueling test of grit. Only by playing their hardest did the team secure a place in the finals. Meanwhile, the girls repeatedly demonstrated resilience by bouncing back from a narrow three-set loss to win twice and advance to their own final.

Despite the demanding schedule and back-to-back matches, Concordia’s athletes showed remarkable perseverance and determination. Fatigue and pressure were constant companions, but they refused to let either define them. Each game pushed their limits physically and mentally, yet the players continued to dive for every ball, communicate through every point, and lift each other up when energy ran low. Their tenacity became a powerful reflection of the team’s spirit, showing they were unwilling to give in no matter the challenge.

Finals day was historic. The boys snatched the first set but couldn’t hold off their opponents, settling for a hard-earned silver. The girls also went through a tough loss in the finals securing second place. Although both teams finished second, these results marked Concordia’s first-ever varsity volleyball silver medals at ASAC, a proud milestone made sweeter by the shared success of both squads.

Beyond watching the high schoolers grow as players, it’s even more rewarding to see them connect and form meaningful friendships. Over these long weekends, unexpected bonds develop, not just within the team, but also with students from other schools. From a team perspective, it’s inspiring to see how much progress is made in just three days, as they face tougher competition than usual in Hanoi. For the seniors, this final tournament carries deep significance, marking the end of their journey with Concordia and the close of a memorable chapter filled with teamwork, growth, and lasting memories.

Team MVPs were YeEun (G10) and Callum (G11). Callum was also named overall tournament MVP by the coaches, recognized as the best player among all ten teams—an achievement rare in our school's history.

The following weekend was reserved for Concordia’s Middle School basketball teams, which played a similar format with 10 teams spanning 4 different locations. ASAC basketball holds a special place in students’ hearts, especially for eighth graders who look forward to it as a “rite of passage.” For some Middle School students, this is their first time traveling internationally with our school and without their parents. Offering this opportunity to students at a young age holds a special privilege, which these students have come to understand, appreciate, and look forward to.

Coaches were impressed with how our middle schoolers played against the competition, which, for most of our students, was the hardest they have ever experienced. Student-athletes not only faced a high level of competition, but also balanced their studies thanks to scheduled study halls and meetings with teachers while on the road. While gaining this type of experience in athletics, they are also gaining real experience in having to balance studies while taking part in this three-day tournament abroad. It is great seeing students learning life lessons in a real-life application outside of the classroom among other peers, and getting to witness that growth firsthand.

The tournament environment was intense yet respectful. Coaches highlighted how Concordia’s teams earned respect for playing hard but always showing sportsmanship to referees, opponents, and coaches. The boys’ team navigated emotional highs and lows, bouncing back from a close loss in pool play to defeat the same team in their final match and earn third place. This taught them to never underestimate another opponent and to finish strong.

The girls contended with unique challenges, including an illness that kept key players sidelined, forcing others to step into new roles and adapt quickly. Other challenges included playing their first 3 games outside in the heat.Their perseverance and unity were evident as the team finished strong, each member contributing to the group’s growth. Although the girls finished in 8th place in this tournament, they took the lessons learned and returned the next week to earn second place in the HAC tournament. Through hard lessons, they turned what could have been interpreted as defeat into success.

Basketball MVPs were Tue (G8) and Dahyeon (G7).

For all athletes, participation in the ASAC tournaments continues to be so much more than winning. Many shared how these events helped them overcome adversity, develop leadership skills, make new friends across schools, and experience competition at a higher level than ever before. The relentless game schedules demanded mental and physical stamina, but also built lasting camaraderie. Coaches noted the rise in skill and confidence year over year that spread through their programs as students inspired one another to improve and try out for new teams.

 The spirit of Concordia extended well beyond the athletes themselves. Both events sparked new enthusiasm back at Concordia.Teachers streamed the games into classrooms; parents cheered from the stands and at home, sent messages of encouragement, and greeted victorious teams on their return with garlands and snacks. Community support made the victories, and even the defeats, feel like shared moments of pride and unity. 

Taking part in ASAC tournaments always leaves a permanent mark on Concordia’s athletes. Whether winning medals or learning hard lessons, every participant grows in ways that will impact their future, whether that is on the court, in the classroom, or in life. As more students look to join, ASAC tournaments have set a new standard of excellence, teamwork, and global citizenship in the Concordia community.

Learn more about Concordia Hanoi's athletics program.