Four teams, four semifinal appearances, and three medals mark a season of triumph for School of the Nations athletes
From September 25 to 29, 46 student-athletes from Grades 8 through 12 represented the School of the Nations at the International Schools Sports League (ISSL) Season I. Competing against six American and international schools from across Brazil—Pan American School of Bahia (PASB), The British School of Rio de Janeiro (URCA & Barra), The American School of Belo Horizonte (EABH), The American School of Recife (EAR), and Our Lady of Mercy (OLM-RIO)—our teams demonstrated remarkable effort and determination.
This first season of the ISSL, held annually in mid-October at the beginning of the academic year, focused on field soccer and basketball. Once again, the School of the Nations fielded teams in all four U-18 categories: boys' and girls' soccer and boys' and girls' basketball.
Semifinal Success for All Four Teams
For the first time in our history, all four teams reached the semifinals—a milestone that speaks volumes about the dedication and talent of our athletes.
The girls' basketball team, after years of narrowly missing out on the finals, earned a spot in the semifinals against the OLM Lancers. In a hard-fought game, they narrowly lost 19–15, sending them to the bronze match against the EAR Eagles. Though the Cougars finished fourth, their journey to the semifinals represents a significant achievement, demonstrating continuous growth and resilience with every tournament.
The boys' basketball team followed a similar path, securing their place in the semifinals and a shot at the podium. Competing for bronze against the PASB Panthers, the Cougars delivered an intense, nail-biting performance, coming from behind to win 25–22 and claim third place—a well-deserved victory that reignites the team’s pursuit of excellence.
In girls' soccer, our athletes consistently impressed throughout the tournament. After a rollercoaster series of matches, they faced the British Falcons in the bronze match. With an emphatic 6–0 win, the Cougars not only secured a podium finish but also brought home a trophy for the third consecutive time, between golds and bronzes. Once again, they proved their rightful place on the podium, reaffirming their standing as fierce competitors.
Triumphant in Boys’ Soccer
The boys' soccer team, already two-time ISSL champions, added another golden chapter to their legacy. After a silver finish last season, they returned with even more determination. In the semifinals against the TBS Falcons, neither team managed to score during regular time, leading to a penalty shootout. The Cougars triumphed with a flawless 5–4 score, advancing to the final. In a gripping final match that mirrored the semifinal, the game ended in a tie, and once again, penalties decided the winner. With an extraordinary 13–12 victory in the shootout, the Cougars clinched the gold, earning their third ISSL championship title.
Regardless of the medal count, each of our athletes shone brightly on the courts and fields. Their dedication and relentless spirit have inspired the entire Nations community, showing everyone what it truly means to be a Cougar.
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