Lancers Illustrated 2017-18

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Our Mission:

ACS Athens is a student-centered international school, embracing American educational philosophy, principles and values. Through excellence in teaching and diverse educational experiences, ACS Athens challenges all students to realize their unique potential: academically, intellectually, socially and ethically - to thrive as responsible global citizens.

ACS Athens Philosophy of Athletics:

In accordance with the ACS Athens Mission Statement, the Athletic department’s intent is to provide students with athletic opportunities that will challenge them and will further develop each student’s educational maturity. The athletic program will always be in conformity with the general objectives of the school and at no time will the educational curriculum be placed in a secondary role.

The fundamental principle of sports, particularly competitive athletics, is to augment the education of the young.

Athletics should both promote and supplement the regular curriculum at the school. The athletic department’s concern is the personal development of each athlete.

It is however necessary for the student who elects to participate in Athletics to understand that he/she is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline, self-responsibility and commitment.

www.acs.gr Publisher: ACS Athens Director of Athletics: Annie Constantinides Photo credits: Vangelis Stolis, Vasilis Politis, Maria Matakia Concept & publication design: Leda Tsoukia Copyright©2017-18 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine (text or images) may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher

Dear Athletes, Coaches and Guests, Welcome to the 2018 Athletic Banquet, a celebration of our students’ athletic accomplishments!

Educating the whole person is a central tenet of our philosophy of education. Teaching and learning takes place, not only in the classroom, but during activities, assemblies, community service work, group projects, sports activities, and through the hundred of formal and informal encounters that take place between members of a learning community each day. Certainly, student athletes have a double challenge, and that is to reach for their maximum ability in academics and in athletics.

Athletics is an important part of this educational experience, which teaches students to be team leaders, to respect the game, their teammates, their coaches and most importantly, themselves.

Our athletes have competed throughout the year in a number of sports competitions – both local as well as international, which have opened a world of cultures and opportunities for them. We hope the student athletes not only value their memories from these experiences, but that these experiences have also enhanced their character via the principles and values acquired through these; sportsmanship, ethos, effort, dedication, perseverance, team work, discipline and leadership.

It is important for the athletes to reflect on what they have experienced, as well as thank their coaches, parents, and everyone who through their dedication, hard work and support made their successes possible.

At this time, I would like to commend all the coaches who have devoted their time and energy to coaching, but more importantly for their love of coaching, mentoring and guiding all the student athletes. Without you, the coaches, we would not be able to offer all the opportunities we do to our students.

Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful summer and to all Seniors best wishes for a great college life. Remember to enjoy this new chapter in your lives.

Sincerely, Stefanos Gialamas, Ph.D. President

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ACS Athens Athletics “10 Commandments” • Never underestimate your opponent.

• Work on your weaknesses until they become your strong points.

• Remember that a great effort is usually the result of great attitude.

• Win with humility, lose with grace.

• Ignore those who discourage you.

• Remember that how you conduct yourself off the field is just as important as how you conduct yourself on the field.

• Talent is God-given – be humble.

Fame is man-given – be thankful.

Conceit is self-given – be careful.

• Don’t ask to be deprived of tension and discipline- these are the tools that shape success.

• Do what has to be done, when it has to has to be done, and as well as it can be done.

• Always give your best!

EFFORT RESPECT DISCIPLINE MOTIVATION SPORTSMANSHIP PRIDE

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Welcome!

Memories...

Memories...

Memories Life is about experiences and living “in the moment”! At ACS Athens, the sports teams and athletic programs play an important role in our students’ lives and they provide a great avenue through which a plethora of emotions and values come to the surface.

Once again we are celebrating the ACS Athens athletes’ and coaches’ achievements as well as their dedication and love for sports. It is important to understand, that while sports are competitive in nature, the multitude of lessons and benefits attained regardless of the outcome, are immeasurable. Sports provide a unique perspective on day to day challenges and complement the academic life of our students.

The Lancers Illustrated once again captures the year’s moments through our photos and written reflections, which clearly showcase the unique culture of ACS Athens Athletics. A culture that we are very proud of!

They say a photo is worth a thousand words; there are also times when there are NO words to describe what comes out of a photo…. Whatever the case, the Lancers Illustrated is about our students’ memories created through sports!

Annie Constantinides, Director of Athletics

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INTRODUCING THE ACS ATHENS COMPETITIVE TEAMS

CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS

JUNIOR VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER

VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER

JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS SOCCER

VARSITY BOYS SOCCER

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JUNIOR VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS VOLLEYBALL

VARSITY BOYS VOLLEYBALL

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MIDDLE SCHOOL SWIMMING

HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING

JUNIOR VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

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Junior varsity tennis

varsity tennis

middle school track & field

high school track & field

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THEY ARE UNITED AND “STICK TOGETHER” By Babis Psarakis Varsity Boys Basketball Coach

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hat can I say…

There are so many words that could describe this team; reflecting back to the entire season, the strongest word that is appropriate would be “cohesion” and it represents to the fullest my philosophy as a coach. When I think of my players, I remember how united they were, unlike any other teams that I have coached in the past! From the International Youth tournament in Athens having a full roster to the ISST tournament in Cobham with fewer players, this team was one of the most exciting teams in the recent past! In the beginning of the season, there were a few hiccups and challenges that had to be dealt with in order to come up with the desired chemistry.

Our season started off a bit slow; we faced strong teams during the Holiday tournament and we finished in second place. It was a good experience because it showed us that we had a long way to go. Our local tournament where we finished first was a good preparation for the next tournament, the International Youth event; and that was when the fun began! At that point, it was evident that this group of players was special.

Win or lose, they did it with class and dignity and the comments that I received about them, really made me proud!

The fact is that this team is like a family; they are united and “stick together”. At the ISST tournament, in a casual conversation about the semi-final where I expressed my concern and anxiousness to the coach of Munich (a good friend of mine), he said something I will never forget: “You don’t have to worry about anything. Apart from the fact that your players are techni-

cally nearly perfect and complimentary of each other, they are like a family. No matter the difficulty of the circumstances, they will unite and come out on top”.

They certainly did! I must say that one of the highlights of the ISST tournament was the team’s reaction to my ejection from the game against the American School of Paris; I was very anxious if Mr. Kalogridakis could take over since he joined us late in the season during the youth tournament and barely knew our plays.

However, what happened next was magical, as they continued to play the basketball they knew, the basketball they were taught, expressing our basketball philosophy, and came out with a strong win. At that moment, every player and every coach in the tournament realized that we were there for a sole purpose: to win the championship!

In conclusion, the cohesion of this team is something that I have never seen in my entire coaching career and I believe it is something magical!

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“We are not a team because we play together; we are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other.”

(Unknown)

COHESION

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COMPLEXITY of SUCCESS in Team Sports

By Katalin Kiss Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach

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irst of all, I would like to congratulate the varsity volleyball girls for their performance in Belgium during the 2017-2018 ISST tournament. They provided us with plenty of excitement, emotions and every game was an incredible experience. Sometimes sad … sometimes wonderful…

I truly believe they got a taste of the complexity of a winning team as well as the continuously growing desire for victory during their tournament. In many cases the team was close to win a set or a game and it gave us all hope and plenty of passion on the court. We were and still are proud of the girls’ commitment and their effort of facing and competing against more experienced teams and players. Some of our athletes dealt with stressful conditions on

the court for the first time without any previous experience in volleyball.

It was priceless to see how victory can become the sole focus on the court and for me, as a coach, it was almost magical to see suddenly synchronized actions between players that finally understood what I meant during our practices for three months: ”help each other”. Supporting one another on the court in order to be able to enjoy those moments of celebration after a well deserved point.

I believe winning isn’t everything! After more than two decades on the court I value and respect when a team or a player manages to overcome difficulties, mental or physical, and when they athletes are not intimidated when competing against superior players. One can say that

a successful team does not simply have better players or works with better conditions. Motivation, confidence and quick problem solving skills can often result in surprising victories.

SO, how can a competing team become a winning

team? A good start is to focus on three main “ingredients”: hard work gives you confidence, knowing and trusting your teammates gives you clarity and trust and game losses of the past will make you a fighter.

These make up a small and yet an important part of success!

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COMPLEXITY

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Dedication, devotion, loyalty and bonding

By Jennifer Polizos, Dionisis Papadakis, Stavros Tsichlas Middle School and High School Swimming Coaches

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he ACS Athens Swim Team this year illustrated what we hope to instill in our young people. Through

injuries and tough grueling IB courses, these swimmers proved their commitment time and time again. The ACS Swim team brought home

3 trophies from the SCIS conference. The Middle School Team took 2nd place overall in the Athens Cup in March. Our female swimmers broke 14 ACS records! Some of those records had been held for almost a decade!

Forty-one medals were placed on well deserving swimmers throughout the season. Their success individually and as a team was a direct result of their commitment. But it was behind the glamor and gold where the commitment to this sport was tested day in and out.

Their dedication to the sport was evident by practicing during the weekends, early mornings winter before the sun rose and even during

the Christmas holidays.

Their dedication led them reach and surpass their goals, not only individually but as a team.

Devotion to each other, by making sure everyone got to practice on time, sharing extra swim caps or goggles for someone who was in need was a natural action by this year’s swim team. As much as these swimmers pushed themselves, they also motivated each other, and it was also their devotion to the sport that led them to enormous success.

Some people may believe that loyalty doesn’t matter anymore, and that it is all about the individual. This year’s swim

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COMMITMENT

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The swimmers commitment to the team is what made the difference. The swimmers were loyal to their race and each other.

A great deal of swimming is about the individual performance. In practice, that is tested time and time again. Each swimmer sees the other in the lane next to them at this time they are competi-

“Most people fail, not because of lack of desire, but because of lack of commitment” Vince Lombardi

tors, pushing each other to do their best. But their loyalty to each other comes when they step up on the blocks wearing the same blue and gold, they are one, one school, one team, competing together.

in our character. This commitment is the fundamental base to what lies ahead within you, your academics, your career and your family, all test your character and your commitment.

The swim team bond goes deep. Their support for one another with their triumphs but also their defeats shows in us that compassion and commitment to each other that is essential for us to achieve great things. Commitment to something shows the world our strength

Character is more important than how good you are at the sport, as athleticism is only temporary.

But your character, the type of person you are, last forever. Be compassionate.. Be grateful.. Be honest.. Be humble..

And Be committed.

CU on Deck!

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DEFINING SUCCESS DEFINING YOURSELF

by Angelo Dimitropoulos Varsity Girls Basketball Coach

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uccess is an elusive concept.

It means different things to different people.

In the past two years, our Varsity Girls Basketball team consisted of young and inexperienced players, for whom given the small amount of time they have to prepare themselves for demanding tournaments, the complete understanding of the game may be a hard task.

The coaches’ role is to always set specific and realistic goals and prepare their teams to beat them.

There is no way to know if you have achieved your goals unless you clearly define them in the first place. People may say that by setting low goals you are a low achiever; what we believe is that by setting high goals you may easily consider yourself “failure” if these goals are not met.

For this year, our goals were simple (for others these goals may be a “given”): travel with a full team to the ISST championship; suffer no injuries

during the season; play everybody in all games; build the team spirit; have fun.

There’s a fine line between success and failure and although it is a fact that we learn from failure, nobody really enjoys failing. The key to our year’s success was our simple definition that consisted of many components: commit yourself to the team, do what is required, realize your weaknesses, and continually work to improve them. Believe in yourself, believe in your surroundings, keep growing and learning.

One day, half way through the year, we asked our girls to define what a Lancer (our school mascot) stands for: “Fighters” was the first word that came out. Precisely. When talent is not enough, you have to fight obstacles including your weaknesses. In the game, you have to fight for every possession, in your life you have to fight no matter what the circumstances are!

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SUCCESS

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Hard work pays off

By Marie Gorack JV Girls Soccer Coach

“I

’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career.

I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed” (Michael Jordan).

Success is not determined by your stats but by your ability to grow from your experiences, and that is exactly what this amazing group of girls accomplished this season. They learned from their losses, they put in the effort at practice, and they worked together as a team resulting in a 3rd place victory at the end of the season tournament.

The girls JV soccer team consisted of girls who have played soccer for years and girls who have never played a game of soccer in their lives, but each girl had one thing in common, they all had

the determination to be successful. This first became evident after the girls first game of the season and their first loss of the season. The girls did not walk off of the field with their heads down, pointing blame at their teammates, but with determination in their eyes and constructive feedback about what they could improve on. That following week the girls came to practice ready to learn and determined to improve.

By the time the 2nd game of the season came around, the girls were determined to show everyone what they learned and how they improved.

They were passing more on the field, moving to the ball, communicating with each other, taking shots, and defending their half of the field. They, as well as others, could see how much they had grown in the last few days. The game resulted in a 2-1 loss but the girls were still proud of themselves and

DETERMINATION

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determined as ever to get a win. Once again, they were back practicing the following week, kicking harder, running faster, communicating better, and displaying a better sense of control.

Before we knew it, the girls were playing their 3rd game of the season and were more determined than ever to get their first win. As soon as the referee blew the whistle the girls were off; again they were moving the ball on the field, communicating with each other, defending their goal, and taking their shots.

The girls got their first goal of the game, then their next, then again, and again. Then that final whistle blew and the girls had their first official win in the bag. Their hard work and determination was proving to pay off.

Finally, the day of the tournament had arrived. The girls had their uniforms on, their shoes laced up, and their hair in a ponytail, ready to take on the opposing teams.

Their first game the girls came out strong resulting in a 2-0 win. The Lancers were fired up from their win and were determined to prove to themselves and others that they were fierce competitors.

During the second game, the girls were able to hold the 1st place team to a tie by playing the best

defense I had seen all year. The girls were like mama bears protecting their cubs--nothing was going to get past them.

The third and final game of the tournament was against a team the girls had never played before, and although they gave it their all, they lost 1-3.

After a great day of soccer the JV Lancers walked away with a 3rd place medal.

These 17 girls went from not knowing how to pass or dribble a ball to placing in a tournament. I could not be more proud of each and every one of them.

The JV Girls soccer team is evidence that determination and hard work pays off. Keep motivating yourselves to do your best, and I can’t wait to work with you next year.

Great Job Girls!!

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“Being your best when your best is needed. The ability to enjoy challenges when things become difficult and to derive exhilaration from them�

John Wooden

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“That rush, that extraordinary sensation...”

By Labrini Rontogiannis JV Girls Volleyball Coach

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xhilaration. The distinct feeling when you achieve something… something unexpected or perhaps something for which you have been striving.

That rush of excitement when you wrap your arms around your teammates and scream or shed tears of joy as you realize that you have achieved something great or you have earned the medal hanging around your neck. This is the feeling that flowed through the JV Girls Volleyball team, and they earned each and every second of that exhilaration.

on developing their skills.

Slowly, that feeling of invigoration began brewing in their hearts. It came from the love of the game, from the joy that came from playing together and from having constant fun doing so. Practice after practice, and game after game, they truly began to feel what it was like to be on a team. And after the final play, when that whistle blew to mark the end of the game that earned them a third place win, that was the moment when all those feelings building up, overflowed into that exhilarating feeling that comes with achievement.

With a number of returning players, and some new, the JV Girls Volleyball team renewed their love for the sport and were ready for the new season. With some experience under their belts, they focused on the small details. They came to practice and worked hard

Often times in sports it is that rush, that extraordinary sensation you get when you scored that point, or achieved that milestone for your team, that enhances that invigorating feeling; the one that keeps bringing you back for more. It’s that feeling that brings

you back from defeat that makes you try harder at that next practice. And it’s that feeling that builds great athletes. An athlete’s attitude is built on positivity and it’s what keeps an athlete motivated, determined and focused. It’s elation that keeps an athlete absorbed in the love of the sport; win or lose. Do not underestimate it, because it’s much more than a feeling. It’s exhilarating!

EXHILARATION

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ACADEMICS AND ATHLETICS: A SMART COMBINATION FOR STUDENTS

By Efi Karatopouzi, Track & Field Coach

A

s a coach and educator in physical education for several years, I have noticed that children who are engaged in sports manage to nurture their own personal growth. They develop social skills such as learning to work within a team in order to achieve a predetermined goal.

Involvement in sports also develops self-esteem, mental strength, self control and most importantly, decreases anxiety and stress during the challenging teenage years.

years, when combining Academics and Athletics.

So the question of whether athletics are important in a student’s life becomes important when students engage in competitive sports teams.

Children involved in sports also learn what is needed in order to succeed during various phases of their lives; the hard work that is required at all times and the dedication needed particularly during their high school

Our very own student athletes can attest to the importance of athletics in a student’s life. “I believe that sports are good for students because they make you set some boundaries,” says Giorgia Sideri, member of

Research has shown that physical exercise affects students in a positive way especially during the years they spend engaged in their academic studies.

Exercising and being active after a period of study or testing, has a direct effect on their ability to remember.

three ACS Athens teams (Cross Country, Basketball, Track & Field).

“They help you improve your time management, keep you healthy and in shape, meet new people, experience new things every day. You learn to deal with emotions and feelings that will come up with yourself and others.

You get to learn values that will follow through your life and will help you out in difficulties; values such as respect, responsibility, thoughtfulness, caring, effort and working as a team.”

Konstantinos Tiritas, a member of the Varsity Boys Volleyball and Track & Field teams, believes that “being healthy, being involved with sports and making friends will make you happy. Happy people tend to work better and harder. Therefore, by taking part in sports and interacting with others, you are setting yourself up for being successful and happy.”

Upon reflecting on the above students’ testaments, I wholeheartedly believe that athletic programs in schools are essential, allowing students to develop and improve both their mental and physiological strength.

As a community, we can encourage students to be active, take part in organized sports and motivate them to believe in them-

selves and their inner strength.

As the Ancient Greeks said, a strong mind needs to live in a strong, healthy body.

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We had ambition

By Nick Naoum and Hadeel Ghoneim Girls Varsity coach and Student -Athlete

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here is no better word to describe the Varsity Girls Soccer Team then the word, passion. The definition of passion is, “a strong and barely controllable emotion.” Throughout the entire season, we were victorious! Our passion for the game is what led us to our success. We were not victorious because of our skill, and our technique, but because we had something much stronger than that. We had ambition.

The majority of the team was present at our morning practices (7a.m!!) and every single person was there during our regular after-school practices.

The team set a goal, and nothing could truly come in the way of it.

After winning gold in the local tournament, and only three weeks left until the ISST championships, the team kept their standards high and was showing commitment in every practice with one

goal in mind: to place in the top three in the International Tournament in Paris. With the conjoined effort of the coach and the players, every practice was beneficial, important, and aiming for the target. ACS Athens has always been considered the underdogs of the ISST tournament because throughout the entire season, the rival teams compete against each other on a regular basis. However, the teams did not know what to expect from us and after seeing our first game in Paris, which we tied, everyone knew that they needed to give more than 100%, when playing against us.

The team’s chemistry and good vibes between the players were evident on the field. Those who were playing could hear their teammates on the sidelines yelling, cheering, and above all, supporting.

At last, the final game came, with the hope of getting third place. The

team played hard and gave their all in the last game which ended in a tie score. This meant that we had to wait for the organizers to determine the team placements (they had to go through the “goals for/goals against” tie breaking procedure); an agonizing time indeed!

We were informed that we placed fourth; this was devastating! Suddenly, players had “teary” eyes and could not believe the outcome!

However, a few minutes later, the staff retrieved their decision due to an error and our final position was third place!

Suddenly, the tears of sadness became tears of

joy; sad eyes changed to happy smiles. That was the first medal for the Varsity Girls Soccer Team for over 20 years. Now the goal for the upcoming year is to move up a division. With the same commitment, effort, and passion, this goal can be attainable.

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PASSION

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Our team never gives up

By Ria Pateraki JV Girls Basketball Coach

“Y

ou may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

Maya Angelou

The Junior Varsity Girls Basketball team completed the winter season with great success by finishing 2nd in the Local Tournament. Despite the above mentioned outcome, our team faced numerous obstacles and challenges throughout the season; overcoming them and fighting for the best was our team’s greatest achievement.

The season started well, as we had a complete team that was ready to work with a lot of enthusiasm, motivation and ambition as they were preparing for the

scrimmages and the final tournament. A few weeks into the season however, for a variety of reasons, we ended up with a roster of fewer players. As a result, during our practices we did not have a desirable number of players on the court - a fact that mostly impacted the team’s bonding and mentality. Nevertheless, the work ethic and the energy level during our practices never dropped.

All athletes were ready to improve, learn and grab every opportunity that was offered to make themselves better.

Throughout the season, our practices consisted of teaching the fundamentals and providing new ideas and approaches to the game. The peak of our practices was the visit of a professional female athlete and WNBA player, who played with us and shared some inspirational experiences and personal thoughts regarding the game of basketball. The girls were entertained and realized the impact that

PERSISTENCE

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a sport might have in an athlete’s character and personality.

As our season was coming to its end, I asked my athletes to write a few words about the team and the season. Most of the responses were not really positive, as the majority of the girls was aware of the challenges and was affected by them; the only common phrase that was included in the feedback was that our team never gives up. All of my players were tough and did not stop working towards our common goal during the whole “journey”. The last weeks we all came together, set some team goals and focused more on our final Tournament.

When the competition day came, I knew that my athletes were ready to give their best. We played really hard in every game and we ended up winning all of them, but one.

Our team’s persistence proved that no matter the difficulties, a team who never gives up can accomplish great things.

As Denis Waitley said “Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning”.

Our Junior Varsity Girls Basketball team showed what it truly means to

fight like a champion and not giving up! Through this season, each athlete managed to improve herself as well as the team while “setting the bar higher” for the upcoming years! I am definitely proud of this team and the way they presented our ACS Athens - Lancers family!

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ens Cross Country team competed in the ISST Championships in France with full teams in the boys Junior Varsity and Varsity categories. Our JV team finished in third place with a lot of effort from all the runners! The

IT ISN’T ALWAYS EASY

By By Alexandra Komnou, Nick Steinke, Tom Polizos Cross Country Coaches

T

he Cross Country team this year was welcoming as a family and was also very popular; a total of thirty one students decided to try out, and they all became members of the ACS Athens team. Cross Country allows young runners to discover and develop fundamental habits that eventually lead to life lessons which may become the backbone of their lifestyle in the future. It isn’t always easy though…

Cross Country is a great way to develop determination in order to push back against that final psychological limiting factor. The mental strength developed through cross country helps athletes with many other aspects of life; pushing oneself continuously before deciding to quit. That is

why the spirit of the team was to “NEVER GIVE UP”. Each training session’s goal was to make everybody give that extra effort, push the limits of every single student – athlete, and accomplish something which would make them feel proud of themselves.

The athletes demonstrated courage and RIGOR throughout the season.

One foot at time and one step behind the other; leading to the first kilometer, then the second and finally, the euphoria of accomplishment of finishing the distance is there!

Individually they were all determined to succeed in both the physical and mental aspects of running. As a team, they showed a great level of fortitude. The ACS Ath-

success of this season however, lies in the fact that all students that showed up at the try-outs thinking they would soon quit, ended up being motivated, showed great improvement and were devoted to the sport.

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“Every obstacle is destroyed through rigor”.

Leonardo da Vinci

RIGOR

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BEING A MEMBER OF A TEAM

By Dora Panteli Varsity Girls Basketball Assistant coach

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t is without a doubt that being part of a sports team is a multidimensional experience. The word -multidimensional- itself reveals the importance and the significance that this particular experience can have in someone’s life.

To explain our point of view and philosophy both as educators and coaches we will provide you with a question that we asked

our student- athletes before one of our games.

Why are you here? The question might sound simple, but it is very hard to answer in the right way, especially when you are 15 years old, so most of the answers were “because it is fun”, “because we want to win” etc. Therefore we wanted to give them another perspective and explain to them why they were there, not in the tour-

nament, but why they were members of our TEAM.

● you believe that

great things can happen when people collaborate and work together Together Everyone Achieves More ● You can build friendships with other athletes and your coaches and by doing that you develop your social and communication skills ● You learn how to cope with expectations, you understand and accept both your weaknesses and strengths and working towards developing both

You become part of a team because:

● Sports teach you

how to RESPECT others and yourself ● Doing what you love makes you gain greater self -awareness and build your confidence ● Being part of a team can teach you how to prioritize and have good time management ● You learn to accept and understand both a WIN and a LOSS, therefore, you recognize the value of every teammates’ abilities in contributing towards a shared goal ● You work on your determination and persistence, skills that are essential for an individual that wants to be successful in his/ her life ● You learn the importance of being disciplined and committed The message we wanted to send to our players was clear: “You are not here only to become better athletes but to become better people and that should be your ultimate goal through sports. You do not have to compete with others; your only goal

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is to become better than YOU were yesterday.

You are HERE because you want to challenge yourself and build a strong character for everything you do in your life. Remember that your ATTITUDE is everything, and even though is a little thing it makes a big difference‌..�

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community service “THE COLOR OF PEACE” EVENT

By Danai Papaioannou, Student Affairs Officer

T

he PEACE AND SPORT organization and ACS Athens celebrated APRIL6 The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace promoting the transformative power of sport and its great potential in advancing positive social change. In collaboration with PEACE AND SPORT which works under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, ACS Athens hosted a memorable event on Friday, April 20 2018, dedicated to promoting peace through sport while honoring those who have lost their home because of war.

On this special day, ACS Athens hosted a soccer match between unattended refugee minors in-

volved with the “Youth 2 Youth” program and ACS Athens students. Together these children comprise over 65 different nationalities. ACS Athens aims to promote collaboration between cultures and student athletes as well as to educate all of its stakeholders about the idea of sport promoting healthy competition and unity across the globe.

Academy respectively.

These culminating events involved students, parents and faculty who obtained one or more stress balls in the color of their House (small donation requested) with all proceeds going to the “Youth to Youth Program”. Each stress ball was numbered and that number was associated with the sponsor who donated the money.

Prior to the day of the event, educational activities and instruction addressing the significance of peace and its’ promotion through sport (ie. the meaning of Olympic truce) took place throughout all the grades (K-12).

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the celebration was the “Stress Ball Races” organized by Elementary, Middle School and

The final celebration prior to the soccer match included a series of music acts as well as motivational speeches by celebrities. Che Jon Fernandes, Paralympic athlete from Greece competing in men’s shot put events, shared a powerful message of peace and hope, setting the tone for what was surely a very moving and exciting event. Micha-

lis Kakiouzis, former renowned basketball player, also stressed the importance of sport as a catalyst for peace and harmony that should not be underestimated, while Jessica Ogunnorin, a former basketball player and employee of the school, invited everyone to realize the power of sport in bringing people together, bridging differences, and promoting communication and understanding. At the end of the day the entire student body raised white cards to transmit the powerful message of peace.

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WHAT IS THE MEANING BEHIND #WHITE CARD? “Holding up a White Card, just like a referee, is an action that sympolizes the positive power of sport. In contrast with the red card, which signifies the most serious offense in sport, the White Card is a gesture of inclusion, equity and peace”

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GET UP AND DO SOMETHING “Driving Children to Happiness”

By Stefano Spassof, Dimitris Pantazis and Rami Makarem ACS Athens Student-Athletes

“T

he best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” Barack Obama.

This is something we believe in and that’s why we created CARS, to do just that. We are three 10th grade student-athletes at ACS Athens and we are taking action and sharing some positivity to children in need by giving toy cars to multiple organizations, such as: The Friends of the Child (Οι Φίλοι του Παιδιού), The Heart of Children (Καρδιά του Παιδιού), Cerebral Palsy (Εταιρεία

Προστασίας ΣπαστικώνΠΟΡΤΑ ΑΝΟΙΧΤΗ), The HOME Project, Merimna, the Salvation Army, and the Ministry of Justice. Our motto is “Driving Children to Happiness”, and we have donated around 6,000 handmade wooden toy cars to different age groups, genders and ethnicities for use in language and art therapy and of course playtime.

We wanted to do something that would make children smile but what we also enjoyed was learning about different Greek charities and the problems they are facing on a daily basis. “We’ve discovered that there are three different kinds of issues that are related to: poverty, physical disability and racial or geographical challenges.

Some children have found themselves in this position because of hatred or horrible living conditions resulting from political or racial problems, others have to learn to live with certain kinds of disabilities, while many families are affected because of poverty. There are numerous people in need and there are quite a few organizations trying their hardest to offer help; unless these organizations or groups get continued support it will be difficult for them to truly help and make a big difference.

The journey of these cars to Greece is an interesting one; they were built by volunteers who gave their time and support. The cars have been donated to us by a U.S. organization called ‘Toys for God’s Kids’ whose mission is to turn scrap wood into smiles to children everywhere. They have already given out 1,260,800 cars all over the world. Car shapes and wheels are carved out of scrap wood; the cars are made in many States such as California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Ohio and more.

The cars that were sent to Greece were kindly driven by Mr. Art Franken and transported to Chicago, Illinois. From there Mr. Nick Mourikis of Kronos Shipping Inc. very graciously covered

all shipping costs in bringing the many boxes of cars here. Once the cargo arrived in Greece a few moms helped by picking them up and kept them until we were ready to give them out. Some of the organizations that received them offered to have the cars painted.

We are looking forward to continuing our charity next year with new initiatives as well. We hope that others will feel inspired in helping those that would so graciously appreciate some kind of help. If people want, there is always someone just waiting for a little extra attention or support; so we hope you will feel moved to GET UP AND DO SOMETHING for someone.

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TEACHER-COACH: WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE

Coach is First of All

By Labrini Rontogiannis Science Faculty/Coach

John Wooden

P

rofessionally dressed. Stern looks. Shaking of the finger. This is the image of a teacher to most students. If that’s all they see, students do not get to know the other side of a teacher; the “human” side, and it does not leave much to the imagination.

But imagine the look on a middle schooler’s face when his nerdy Science teacher can spike a ball at 90 km and hour (okay, maybe not 90, but you get the idea). Teacher/coaches have a profound effect on the school community, on the nature of the school’s athletic program, and on the impression students have of them.

Teachers who coach invest a lot of time and sacrifice. It’s not easy to go from teaching all day to getting on court or field.

Nonetheless, the rewards are infinite. Teachers get to do what they love; a

hobby that they once gave up (or not), a sport that they once played in school (or still do). They interact with students in a different setting and also get to see the student in their element …interacting in ways that are vastly different than in a classroom setting. This interaction between teacher/coach, student and parents fosters a priceless sense of community. A teacher/ coach is more aware and sensitive to the school’s mission statement and their portrait of the ACS student. A teacher/ coach contributes to the creation of the school community.

In addition to promoting school culture, a teacher/ coach is essential to an athletic department. It is helpful in that the teachers /coaches are already aware of the school’s philosophy, principles, values, policies and procedures. Being a part

The

a

Teacher

of the school staff makes it possible for a smooth collaboration with the Athletic office but most importantly they are available to their student-athletes. A teacher/ coach understands and embodies the athletics department’s principles of respect, discipline, effort, motivation, sportsmanship and pride.

Like teachers are impressed to hear how well their quiet student can play guitar, the image of a classroom teacher shooting a basketball, kicking a soccer ball or wielding a tennis racket is that much more impressionable to students.

Healthy student-teacher relationships stem from mutual respect and the idea that teachers are not just homework giving, grade changing monsters.

Getting to know students outside of the brick and mortar classroom is so important. It is okay

to show them that you laugh, that you have a sense of humor, that you can bruise your knees, break a shin, or twist an ankle. We are human.

And when a teacher shows his or her “human” side, the student-teacher relationship transforms itself into something unforgettable. There is a special bond between a coach and a student-athlete and a coach/teacher can be a mentor and someone to go to in good times and bad.

Teachers make some of the best coaches. The skills needed to be a teacher are undoubtedly transferable to the court or field. Within a school setting, a teacher/coach not only brings his or her expertise to the sport, but also helps contribute to the school community, to the goals of the athletic program and builds life changing relationships.

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our COACHES

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ATHLETIC COUNCIL The Athletic council is a Leadership group that consists of varsity student athletes; these student-athletes are nominated by coaches of varsity sports and are all high school students.

Efforts are made for every sport to be represented; however, this may not always be the case. The Athletic Director may also nominate two “at large” members based on observations made throughout the year.

Below are the criteria: Athlete must be a responsible individual Athlete must be academically “fit” Athlete must be a leader on and off the fields Athlete must be capable of working with others; peers and adults Athlete must be a positive role model for peers Athlete must have shown organizational skills

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SPECIAL EVENTS 2017-2018 ISST BOYS VOLLEYBALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS 1. Munich International School 2. Frankfurt International School 3. American School in London 4. TASIS 5. St. John’s International School 6. American School of Israel 7. American School of Paris 8. ACS Athens

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INTERNATIONAL TRACK & FIELD COMPETITION PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS 1.

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Campion British School, Athens Ellinogermaniki Agogi, Athens Costea Geitona School, Athens St. Catherine’s School, Athens American Cooperative School of Tunis American School of Israel ACS Athens

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SCIS HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING PARTICIPATING TEAMS 1.

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Munich International School Zurich International School Inter Community School of Zurich Frankfurt International School International School of Zug & Luzern American International School of Vienna American School of Warsaw American International School of Budapest ACS Athens

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international swimming cup PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS 1. Rabat American School of Morocco 2. American Cooperative School of Tunis 3. Cairo American College 4. American International School of Riyadh 5. American School of Kuwait 6. Vienna International School 7. St. Lawrence College 8. Ellinogermaniki Agogi 9. Campion School 10. Costea Geitona School 11. S. Avgoulea Linardatou 12. ACS Athens

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International youth basketball Tournament PARTICIPATING TEAMS 1.

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Stellazzurra Basketball Academy, Italy Odeon Basket, Serbia Novosadska, Serbia Suter Basketball Club, Serbia ZKK Triglav, Slovenia ESKA, Athens ACS Athens

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International BASKETBALL COACHES CLINIC PRESENTERS 1. Brenda Frese: University of Maryland 2. Ron Sanchez: University of North Carolina,Charlotte 3. David Arsenault: Grinnell College 4. LeonidaS Christakidis: Strength & Conditioning Coach

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SPORT AChievements 2017-2018

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ATHLETIC EVENTS CALENDAR 2017-2018 FALL SEASON SPORTS

October 17 Local Varsity Boys Volleyball Tournament @ ACS Athens

Local Varsity Girls SoccerTournament @ ACS Athens October 20 Local Cross Country meet @ Syngrou Park October 21 Local Boys Varsity Soccer Tournament @ ACS Athens November 6 Local Varsity Girls Volleyball tournament @ St. Lawrence November 8-9-10-11 ALL ISST tournaments

(Boys Soccer: Frankfurt, Girls Soccer: Paris, Cross Country: Paris, Girls Volleyball: Brussels, Boys Volleyball: Athens) November 15 Local JV Girls Volleyball @ ISA

Local JV Boys Soccer @ Campion November 28 Local JV Girls Soccer @ St. Catherine’s

Local JV Boys Volleyball @ St. Catherine’s

WINTER SEASON SPORTS

January 3-4 Holiday Varsity Boys Basketball tournament February 1 Local Varsity Girls Basketball tournament @ ACS Athens

Local Varsity Boys Basketball tournament @ St. Lawrence February 2-3 SCIS Swimming Championships –High School in Athens February 4 SCIS Swimming Championships - Middle School in Basel February 23-24-25 Youth Basketball Invitational Tournament – ACS Athens February 27 Local JV Boys Basketball Tournament @ ACS Athens

Local JV Girls Basketball tournament @ St. Catherine’s March 2-3 ACS Athens International Swimming Cup @ ACS Athens March 7-10

ISST basketball championships (Boys: Cobham, Girls: Bonn)

SPRING SEASON SPORTS April 26-27 May 3-4

May 4-5 May 11 May 12-13 May 15 May 23-26 May 31st

International Track and Field Meet / co-hosted with Campion SCIS Middle School Track and Field Championships (Zurich) SCIS High School Track and Field Championships (Frankfurt) Under 16 Tennis event @ St. Catherine’s International Basketball Coaches clinic Middle School Tennis tournament @ ACS Athens ISST Tennis tournament @ Vienna ATHLETIC BANQUET