The Middle School Binationals tournament at The Columbus School is more than just a competition—it’s a test of endurance, teamwork, and preparation that begins long before the first whistle blows.
Months of training, strategy meetings, and logistical planning go into making the tournament a success, giving young athletes the chance to grow both on and off the court. Coaches, players, and organizers all contribute to an event that fosters teamwork and resilience.
“Preparation starts many months in advance because the players, or all athletes in general, must have prior competitions to reach an optimal competitive level,” Leudo Palomeque, basketball coach, said.
However, balancing academics and sports can be challenging for middle school athletes, especially since participating in the tournament requires them to stay on top of their schoolwork while also preparing for high-stakes games.
“One of the biggest challenges is keeping the players focused. Many have other extracurricular activities and academic responsibilities they must handle before the competition,” Palomeque said.
Despite the pressures of competition, these young athletes recognize the importance of teamwork through shared practices, challenges they face during games, and mutual support. Working together allows them to build trust, communicate effectively, and rely on each other’s strengths, essential elements for overcoming tough opponents and achieving success as a team.
“Our coach has taught us that teamwork is really important to win any game,” Gregorio Lozano, a 7th-grade basketball player, said.
For the athletes, the stakes feel even higher during Binationals compared to regular school matches, since they have explicitly traveled for this tournament and are up against a large number of competitive teams, many of which they have developed rivalries with over the years. The pressure to perform well and represent their school adds an extra layer of intensity to every game.
“In Binationals, there was a lot of pressure compared to a normal school game, and your teammates depend more on you, but in the end, we got through it and brought the cup home,” Tomás Llano, a soccer player, said.
Overcoming adversity on the field is a common theme among the athletes, who have learned to persevere through obstacles. The new challenges they face during the tournament whether it’s tough opponents, injuries, or high-pressure moments, not only push them to grow as players but also equip them with problem-solving skills they can apply to future situations both on and off the field.
“A moment I remember really well was the quarterfinal match against Cojowa School. We attacked and attacked, but the ball wouldn’t go in. It required a lot of teamwork to stay focused and not give up,” Llano said.
On the other hand, volleyball players face their own set of challenges, such as adapting to unpredictable plays from skilled opponents, staying mentally focused through long rallies, and making quick strategic adjustments to counter different team formations and playing styles.
“Playing against Cojowa School was the hardest challenge because they were really strong,” Sara Montoya, a 7th-grade volleyball player, said.
The competition demanded not just physical endurance but also mental resilience, as athletes had to push through fatigue, stay focused under pressure, and quickly recover from setbacks during intense matches. Beyond the physical challenges, they needed the mental strength to stay confident, adapt to unexpected situations, and support their teammates no matter the outcome.
“Staying hydrated and keeping a strong attitude is key to keeping energy up during long matches,” Montoya said.
Understanding and adapting to competitors’ strategies is another crucial factor that contributes to success. The team must constantly analyze their opponents’ playing styles, identify patterns or weaknesses, and adjust their own tactics in real-time.
“Seeing how teams play before facing them and adapting our strategy accordingly is important,” Montoya said.
Behind the scenes, organizers work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the tournament runs smoothly, from coordinating team schedules and ensuring venues are prepared to managing logistics, flights, and handling unforeseen issues that arise. Their efforts go unnoticed by many, yet their attention to detail and ability to stay calm under pressure are vital in creating a seamless experience for both athletes and spectators.
“We started planning this edition three and a half months in advance, first with travel arrangements, then verifying player eligibility, meeting with parents, and finalizing logistics,” Daniel Marin, polideportivo administrator, said.
Most spectators only see the competition itself, the thrilling games, the final results, and the celebrations that follow, but there’s much more going on behind closed doors. They may not witness the countless hours of practice, the strategy sessions, or the emotional ups and downs that the teams experience leading up to each match.
“They only see the tournament, but beyond that, we have technical talks all day, team meetings almost every night, and spaces set aside for team discussions and rule-setting,” Marin said.
Unexpected challenges also arise throughout the tournament, demanding quick and effective problem-solving from both athletes and coaches. Whether it’s a sudden injury, a shift in the opponent’s strategy, or unforeseen technical difficulties, these obstacles test the team’s ability to stay calm under pressure.
“This year, we had a situation where a student couldn’t travel back with the rest of the school, so we had to reorganize logistics. In the end, we found a solution, and he returned safely,” Marin said.
Beyond athletic achievements, the tournament has a lasting impact on students, teaching them valuable life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Through the challenges of competition, athletes learn resilience, time management, and how to work effectively as part of a team. They develop problem-solving skills by overcoming obstacles and managing pressure, which they can apply in everyday situations
“I have always believed that sports contribute to integral development. Through sports, students learn resilience, respect, discipline, teamwork, and leadership,” Marin said.
But it doesn’t just impact personal development; sports also help build a sense of community by bringing people together. Athletes learn teamwork, trust, and support, which strengthen bonds both on and off the field. The shared experiences of competition foster unity and pride, creating lasting connections among teammates, coaches, and supporters that extend beyond the tournament.
“I believe the impact goes beyond sports. It’s more about community. We have to understand that we share a goal and must work together to achieve it. In the end, sports come down to teamwork and the effort put in to reach those goals,” Palomeque said.
For many young athletes, binationals is more than just a tournament; it’s an experience that shapes their mindset, friendships, and character.
“The best moment I remember was when we won our first game of the tournament because I thought that it was really important for us, which proved to me that we finally worked in teamwork,” Lozano said.
The tournament challenges students to push past their physical and mental limits, whether it’s staying focused through exhaustion, handling high-pressure situations, or bouncing back from a tough loss. These experiences foster growth beyond the scoreboard, teaching them resilience, discipline, and the ability to persevere in the face of tough situations.
“If I could give advice to younger soccer players, it would be to enter the pitch with confidence, play for the team, and not worry about impressing others,” Llano said.
“Every match is a test not only of skill, but of character. It’s in the toughest moments, when we face adversity, that we truly discover the strength of our team and the depth of our dedication,” Llano said.