Elementary volleyball focuses on growth but makes time for fun

Young athletes hit hard, play harder, and show off their team spirit

Apple Jun and Lily Lee

March 13, 2025

The girls’ A team huddles for a group chant after a hard-fought game. Their teamwork and determination shine through in this celebratory moment.

The elementary volleyball teams returned to Atherton International School (AIS) for the South Korea Association of International Schools (SKAIS) finals on Feb. 27. With impressive growth subsequent to the divisionals, the girls and boys entered the arena.

As the tournament strived to boost motivation and engagement, the rankings were determined based on each team’s total wins for the day. Both the DIS A and B teams faced tough competition but demonstrated resilience and gave their all. While they didn’t secure the championship title, they finished second in their seeds.

In spite of multiple last-minute changes that affected the teams’ performance, the young athletes embraced their accomplishments. “I was originally a part of the B team, so I didn’t know that I would play for the A team today. I didn’t play as well as I wanted, and I didn’t know the rules for the A teams. We didn’t win as much as we wanted to, but I don’t care a lot because we had really good rallies, and I think that’s what matters,” third grader Huber Jung said.

As the boys’ coach, Ms. Dennard observed significant improvements, in both their gameplay and mindset. “Their practices were usually pretty good, and I think they played even better at tournaments. The games were really intense, and I tried to remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes. There were some pretty close games, and I think our players handled them really well—with integrity and with good sportsmanship—even if they didn’t win the game,” Ms. Dennard said.

The girls, too, displayed similar development and determination as they matched the boys’ efforts with their own performances. “We lost two or three games, but I think we did great. It was difficult, and we got fifth place, but the tournament was really fun. We’re going to improve and do better next year,” said fourth grader Raina Kang.

The Jets’ accomplishments reflect a journey that emphasizes the strength, teamwork and dedication at every practice. The teams look ahead with optimism, and prepare to progress to reach even greater heights in the year ahead.

About the Contributors

Apple Jun, Section Editor

Apple, a sophomore and avid writer, returns for her second year on the Jets Flyover staff. Determined to immerse herself in all aspects of the DIS community, she participates in an array of lunch clubs and ASAs including MUN, SKAC sports, and Jets Flyover. In her leisure time, she loves to read or listen to music. You can often find her tucked away in a corner with a good show or under the covers with her nose buried in her all-time favorite novel – Pride and Prejudice.

Lily Lee, Writer

A passionate junior, Lily Lee joins the Flyover family for the first time. As she watches the clock tick and reflects on whether or not her name will make a sports banner in the Jetnasium before graduation, she at least has journalism to fall back on to leave her mark before her departure. Nonetheless, she makes huge contributions to the school as the leader of the LGBTQ+ Organization for Various Ethnicities, Daegu Student Animal Association, National Arts Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Her love for new challenges is obvious as she continually strives to be the best version of herself. She takes great pride in her work ethic and her obviously tall stature.

William Seok, Photographer

Junior William Seok enters his first venture into yearbook design. He wants to pursue a major in business and displays an ambitious spirit as he engages in soccer tournaments, math competitions, and other STEM activities. Outside of school, he hits the gym to maintain physical fitness through a regular workout routine. When he finds time for leisure at home, he fills his evenings with martial arts and European soccer leagues.