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If you were to walk past Mr. Diego Buchheim’s classroom at AISG, you might see a Secondary Health and PE teacher explaining a concept with energy and confidence. What you might not see is the journey of a once extremely shy boy who found his voice by moving countries, learning new languages, and embracing the universal language of sport. This is a story of transformation, not just for the students in his care, but for the teacher himself. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in education, Mr. Buchheim now specializes in the IB Middle Years Programme, channeling his passion into the Physical and Health Education (PHE) curriculum.
For Mr. Buchheim, the core elements of his life have been growth, movement, and connection. “Many experiences shape you,” he reflects, “but moving countries, learning new languages, and playing sports from a young age fundamentally shaped who I am.” These early challenges taught him resilience and adaptability—traits that are now cornerstones of his teaching philosophy.
However, no single experience has reshaped his worldview more than recently becoming a father. “Becoming a dad changed my whole perspective on life,” he shares. “I feel more patient, more grateful, and more responsible. It’s a shift that grounds you and clarifies what truly matters.” This personal joy has not gone unnoticed. Ezra Jakob, a Grade 11 student on the AISG volleyball team Buchheim coaches, observed a visible shift. “Coach has been much happier and motivated since his new baby, Sully, arrived,” Ezra notes. “He has had much more energy and puts a fight—which is young and exciting—into the game.”
That renewed energy and sense of purpose is channeled directly into his work with students and athletes. While teaching is his calling, his passion for helping people grow has a clear alternative path. “If I weren’t a teacher, I’d be doing something connected to sports—maybe a full-time coach, a performance trainer, or working in sport tourism,” he admits. “I’ve always had a passion for helping people grow through movement.”
On the court, this manifests as a philosophy centered on progress. Ezra J describes the team atmosphere as “one of passion and effort-driven,” where Coach Buchheim ensures every win or loss is a learning opportunity. “He played a big role in the wins and losses of the season, making sure our team understands the reasoning… emphasizing the feedback and learning part of the game.” True to his analytical nature—the one that enjoys volleyball strategy videos and 3D design—Buchheim approaches coaching with a “head-on attitude,” putting the team first and building a cohesive, attacking unit.
This holistic view of growth extends beyond strategy. It explains the unexpected hobbies that balance his intense focus: the creative solace he finds in design and 3D printing. It also explains the profound care that underlies his high standards. “He doesn’t mince his words,” Ezra says of the coaching style, advising a new player to be “ready for some rough practices mentally.” But he is quick to add, “those words are important to hear and have meaning and love behind the noise.” This aligns perfectly with what Buchheim hopes people understand, “I hope people understand that I care deeply about my students… even when I’m strict about expectations, it’s because I want them to be their best selves.”
That fierce loyalty and passion sometimes surface in unforgettable ways. For Ezra J, the defining moment came during a high-stakes APAC tournament game. “My most favourite moment… is undoubtedly the moment he got a yellow card for arguing with the refs,” he recalls. Not one to back down, Buchheim humorously showed the referee a picture of a yellow card on his phone. “This captures how much fun and how passionate he is for the team.”
When asked about the people who have had the biggest impact on his life, his answer is immediate and heartfelt. “My wife has had a huge impact on me. Her kindness, patience, and the way she sees the world inspire me to be a better person every day.” He also credits his parents for their unwavering support and for instilling in him the values of hard work and caring for others.
These values are put into practice outside of school, where his priorities are clear. “Right now, spending time with my son is the best part of my day,” he says. He also recharges by working out, playing volleyball, traveling, and tinkering on small design projects. These activities are more than just hobbies; they are essential practices that help him “relax and stay creative.”
All of these experiences—the international moves, the sports, the family life, the creative tinkering—have crystallized into a simple but powerful life lesson he lives by. “I always believe that progress is more important than perfection,” he states. “Keep moving, keep learning, keep improving—even small steps can take you far. And always treat people with kindness, because you never know what they are going through.”
So, the next time you see Mr. Buchheim in the classroom or on the court—whether he’s explaining a concept, analyzing game film, or famously debating a referee—remember the rich tapestry of experiences he brings. He is the global citizen, the dedicated father, the strategic coach who values progress over perfection, the quiet designer, and the educator whose tough love is rooted in a deep belief that with kindness and consistent effort, every student and athlete can go far.
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