Start of Season 1 Sports

The start of season 1 sports started off with a bang. All athletes in AISG are trying their best to support the school through their talents. There are a total of three different sports all students are trying out for in Season 1: Tennis, Volleyball, and Cross-country. Commitments and try outs are underway, and all the sports teams are hyped up.  

The cross-country coach Ms. Cupp said, “Many athletes on the team attended pre-season and ran over the summer so I have high hopes that this season will be their best.”   

The boys’ volleyball coach Mr. Buchheim also commented about his role in the upcoming season.  

He said, “As we head into a new season, motivating the team is crucial. I believe in fostering a positive team culture and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. We hold regular team meetings to set collective and individual goals, celebrate accomplishments, and address any concerns or challenges” 

However, there are a lot of challenges faced by coaches and staff.  

The cross-country coach Ms. Cupp, for example, further said, “We have to split up our practices into outside running and indoor weight training to try and extend the time athletes are working out, while reducing the amount of time in the heat. We also are always making sure students are drinking enough water and listening to their bodies while running to reduce injuries.”  

Similarly, the tennis coach Mr. Fuang said, “The challenge is rain. We want to overcome this challenge by fitness in the gym.” 

The boys’ volleyball coach Mr. Buchheim on the other hand said, “There are several challenges we anticipate facing this season. We may encounter tough opponents, injuries, or unexpected circumstances. However, we are preparing the team to overcome these challenges by emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and mental toughness. We have incorporated training sessions that simulate various game scenarios and have also analyzed our competitors’ strategies to come up with effective countermeasures.” 

These preventions make it crucial for both these teams to succeed, especially in Guangzhou’s hot and humid weather. These teams are working hard to participate in the upcoming tournaments throughout the season. They are trying to aim for a good place. To support these teams, students can get involved and support their teams through vocal voices and support.  

Furthermore, there are a lot of expectations from the coaching staff for this upcoming season. Some expectations are different.  

The tennis coach Mr. Fuang said, “As long as athletes puts in effort, be a good team player to support each other and have good sportsmanship, I’m happy. Having passion with tennis and understanding tennis is a big mind game and you must work on that mind game. I want the athletes to understand they are not always going to win, but you should walk off court and say you did everything you can.” 

The boys’ volleyball coach Mr. Buchheim was different. He said, “My expectations for the upcoming season are high. I believe the volleyball team has put in a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication, and I am confident that they are prepared to meet the goals we have set. The boys’ positive attitude and awareness of the challenges ahead will play a crucial role in their success. We have focused on developing strong teamwork, communication, and individual skills, which will be essential during the season.” 

Both athletes and coaches are training hard to have the absolute best season. Go Rams!