17/11/2025
QISN Volleyball Tournament 2025
On November 7th, the Zhongshi volleyball teams departed for Qingdao to take part in the QISN Volleyball Tournament. Since it was my last tournament in high school, everything about this trip felt more meaningful and special. Before leaving, many students and teachers gathered to cheer for us, and with their warm encouragement, I stepped onto the bus with a smile.
Before long, we arrived at Hongwen International School. Having visited three times before, the place felt familiar rather than intimidating. As soon as we stepped into the gym, the sound of volleyballs bouncing on the floor and teams calling out their chants filled the air, creating an atmosphere of pure energy and competition. Our first match was against ISQ, one of the strongest teams and the same opponent that had defeated us in the previous tournament. With a mix of tension and determination, we gathered in a circle, placed our hands together, and shouted as one, “Let’s go, Zhongshi!”
At first, it felt like history might repeat itself. ISQ started off strong, scoring point after point before we even had time to settle in. The pressure built up quickly, and for a moment, it felt like we were losing control. But we took a deep breath, reminded each other to stay calm, and tried to play the game we knew so well. After a while, everything we had practiced began to show. Our serves were cleaner, our passes smoother, and our voices louder. Every point started to feel like a team effort, such as a good set, a strong spike, a quick save that kept the ball alive. The final score was 23:25. We lost by just two points, but it didn’t feel like a loss. Compared to the last tournament, our growth was incredible. This match gave us confidence, and we all knew we’d come back stronger the next day.
The second day began with a renewed sense of determination. We took some time to reflect on the previous match, thinking about what went wrong, what worked, and how we could do better. We turned that loss into motivation Instead of feeling discouraged. When we arrived at the court, it was louder, brighter, and filled with more teams than before. The tough defeat against QISS had left us tired, but the fire and desire inside us had not gone out. We looked at each other, and silently agreed that we were not done yet.
It was time for another match to begin, we played as if it was our last chance. Even when I made mistakes, my teammates were there to cover for me and cheer me on, reminding me that I was never alone on the court. In those moments, I realized that volleyball was not about being perfect, it was about trusting each other and playing together. Our teamwork became unstoppable, and we took control of the first set, winning by more than ten points. When the final whistle sounded, we screamed, hugged, and laughed together. The victory felt amazing, not just because we had won, but because it showed how much we had grown as a team.
This last high school tournament taught me something I’ll never forget. For a long time, I used to fear making mistakes and worry that I might let my team down. But now, I know that even if I fail, my teammates are always there to lift me up just as I would do for them. It was that trust and our passion for the game that made this experience so meaningful. Although we didn’t finish among the top teams, we were proud to receive the Sportsmanship Award which is a true recognition of our growth, respect, and passion. It was the perfect ending to my final QISN tournament — one filled with lessons, and unforgettable memories that I’ll carry with me long after the final whistle. - Anais G12, class of 2025
