The Thunder Bolt

Recently, our Middle School Volleyball Teams traveled to Ho Chi Minh City to participate in the annual ASAC Junior Volleyball Tournament. Hosted by the International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), this year’s event brought together 10 teams from across the region for three days of high-energy competition.

While our girls secured a solid 5th place and our boys earned a hard-fought 4th place finish, the true story of the weekend wasn't found in the final standings. As a school that participates in this tournament every year, we view ASAC as more than just a sports date and travel opportunity on the calendar. We view it as a vital and unique opportunity for our students. Competing against peers from diverse international schools allows our students to see themselves as part of a much larger global community. Our students continually demonstrate a level of sportsmanship and maturity that has become a hallmark of our program. We are incredibly proud of how they represent our school, both in the heat of competition and in the moments between.

The girls' team showed incredible resilience as moving into the 5th place spot required them to maintain focus and energy through several long sets. Their ability to cheer each other on after a missed point and reset for the next play showed a level of maturity that will serve them well, particularly as some of them prepare to compete at the High School level next year. Similarly, the boys' team battled through to the semi-finals, ultimately taking 4th place. Their journey was defined by teamwork and communication. It was great seeing how much they have grown as athletes since the beginning of the season.

Beyond the court, the experience of traveling as a team, bonding over shared meals, and supporting one another through the highs and lows of a tournament, is what stays with each student. We aren't just building better volleyball players; we are developing confident and resilient young people.

A huge thank you to ISHCMC for being such gracious hosts and for organizing an event that celebrates the spirit of international school athletics. We also want to thank the parents and the Concordia Hanoi community for their unwavering support. Leading the way this year were our MVPs, Haewon (G8) and Ethan (G8), who made incredible contributions to their team’s success.

 As we look back on our time in Ho Chi Minh City, we don’t just see 4th and 5th place trophies, but rather a group of students who returned home with more confidence, deeper friendships, and a passion for the game that will carry them into next season and the future.
 

Learn more about Concordia Hanoi's Athletics here.