TCS has launched a new volleyball tournament for 9th-12th graders. During lunchtime, this tournament promises to be a competitive and fun way for students to connect, compete, and enjoy sports.
PE teachers Jiovana Castañeda and Anibal Betancur, this volleyball intramurals is composed by student-made teams to compete against each other. The games are played simply: first team to 25 points wins. With a total of 19 teams registered so far, this event strives for a sports environment during school lunch.
“The objective of the intramural tournament is first to create a sporting environment during lunchtime, where we see that students interact very well. The idea is to create friendly and pleasant spaces through sports.” Jiovana Castañeda, PE teacher, said.
Since the announcement of the event students have been quick to show enthusiasm for the tournament, many forming teams with their closest friends and classmates. For some students, this competition isn’t just about playing volleyball, it’s about forming friendships and building memories together.
“There are people in my group that play volleyball and we built a team on the whole friend group…” Emilio Medina, 12th grader and tournament participant, said.
For others, this tournament presents a unique opportunity to connect with students from other grades, something they don’t often get to do. PE teacher Jiovana emphasized the importance of students from different grades interacting with each other in the tournament.
“To integrate all the grades, I feel that sometimes they are a bit closed off within their own grades, and I think interacting with students from other grades is positive.” Castañeda said.
Even though the main focus of the event is for students to have fun, play volleyball, and have a nice sports atmosphere with their friends, some participants like Emilio Medina are planning on taking first place.
“Obviously win the tournament,” Medina said, when asked about his goals.
However, not every student is interested in playing in the event. Some, like 12th grader Martin Villa, are hoping to watch the games and support their classmates and highlight how there is still interest in the event for non-players.
“I think that for students who enjoy watching sports, it will be a very good experience,” Villa said.
Even though he is not a fan of sports, Villa sees value in the sense of community that sports events can build among students and reflects on the way that the games can build and foster unity in the school.
“Primarily that they enjoy it… respect and enjoyment.” PE teacher Jiovana Casteñeda concluded, reminding everyone that while competition is a part of the game, the main idea of the tournament is to enjoy and respect one another.