The Columbus School’s athletes—specifically the soccer team, formed by 20 student-athletes—are getting ready for one of the year’s most awaited events: the Binationals Games. The tournament, planned for November, will bring together schools from all over Colombia to show off their talent and tradition and to fuel some friendly competition. For TCS players, getting to Binationals takes dedication, sacrifice, and a strong team spirit.

For years, the Binationals Games have shaped what TCS is all about—not just who wins. It’s not only about medals; it’s about all the hard work, months of training, and balancing school with sports. This experience shows what it means to be part of a team, to not give up, and to be proud of our school. Players and coaches shared how they feel about wearing the TCS jersey and what it means to play for their school.

For senior Maximiliano Restrepo, motivation comes from both sacrifice and the unforgettable memories forged with teammates. “Well, I think that what motivates me for when I have to come and train hard every morning, because we have to make a major sacrifice, because we have to wake up early, and we have to make our parents wake up as well… those moments that are unforgettable, and I think it’s 100% worth it,” Maximiliano said.

For him, wanting to win isn’t just a personal thing. All those early morning hours of training are fueled by the great times shared with teammates and family—and by knowing everyone is sacrificing to reach the same goal. This shows how Binationals is not just about the competition, but about the bonds it creates.

Adapting to new routines is another challenge players face. “At the start, training in the morning was something new because all day you feel tired and need to sleep earlier,” Restrepo explained. “The other challenge is keeping our grades up and being eligible to play. Plus, parents make a major economic effort because it’s an expensive trip.” These challenges highlight the complexity of being a student-athlete.

Competing at a high level means adjusting to new schedules and managing responsibilities outside of the field. At the same time, Binationals require families to support not just physically but financially, showing how the tournament becomes a community investment.

The payoff, however, is immense. “It’s really satisfying when you see your name on the list,” Restrepo said. “Representing the school feels like representing your second home, whether it’s Binationals or Copa Columbus. It’s one of the best feelings an athlete can have.”

The pride of wearing school colors connects directly to TCS’s broader identity. For high school director Paul Navarra, Binationals embody tradition, spirit, and fierce rivalries.

“We take a lot of pride in our sports teams,” Navarra said. “It’s fun to watch us play against Bolivar and CNG, schools that we have big rivalries with. It’s a huge thing for our school culture.”

This sense of rivalry builds anticipation each year, strengthening school spirit. Yet Navarra also emphasized that preparing athletes means balancing academics and athletics carefully.

“One of the things is communication, notifying teachers so they are aware of the importance of the event,” Navarra explained. “Teachers and students coordinate whether they can turn in work early or after Binationals. Just making sure teachers know the demands is key.”

His comment shows the school’s teamwork: they support athletes so they can succeed in both academics and sports. Teachers, coaches, and students work together—just like they do on the field.

Ultimately, Binationals reflect the school’s mission. “When you’re participating, you’re learning how to win and lose, how to play with others,” Navarra said. “You’re leading on the field, and you inspire others. Younger kids look up to athletes and want to follow in their footsteps.”

This mentorship effect connects generations at TCS, proving Binationals are about more than just trophies. They inspire future athletes while reinforcing the school’s values of learning, leadership, and inspiration.

The tradition of Binationals goes beyond TCS. According to Colegio Bolívar, one of the host schools, the event is about “forging friendships and values among institutions that compete.” This perspective highlights that the games are not only about rivalry but also about building community across schools—giving student-athletes memories and lessons that last beyond graduation.

For TCS athletes, the ultimate dream is simple: to bring home the trophy. “The major goal is winning the championship back-to-back,” Restrepo said. “But my personal goal is to play my best and show what I’ve been training for.”

Binationals truly show what TCS is all about—growth, teamwork, and unity. Win or lose, TCS shapes its athletes into disciplined, resilient, and school-proud individuals. The tournament is more than just competitive games—it’s a tradition that brings people together, builds strength, and makes everyone feel they belong at TCS. More than any trophy, Binationals leave behind values and memories that stay with students long after it’s over.

In the end, Binationals isn’t just about winning. It’s about hard work, pride, and creating memories that last a lifetime. All the effort and heart in each game show that the experience is just as important as the victory. For TCS, going after the top spot means getting stronger as one group—one game, one team, one school at a time.