Lancers / Academic Year 2025-2026

ACS Athens Athletics “10 Commandments”

• Never underestimate your opponent.

• Work on your weaknesses until they become your strong points.

• Remember that a great effort is usually the result of great attitude.

• Win with humility, lose with grace.

• Ignore those who discourage you.

• Remember that how you conduct yourself off the field is just as important as how you conduct yourself on the field.

• Talent is God-given – be humble. Fame is man-given – be thankful. Conceit is self-given – be careful.

• Don’t ask to be deprived of tension and discipline – these are the tools that shape success.

• Do what has to be done, when it has to be done, and as well as it can be done.

• Always give your best!

ACS Athens Philosophy of Athletics

In accordance with the ACS Athens Mission Statement, the Athletic department’s intent is to provide students with athletic opportunities that will challenge them and will further develop each student’s educational maturity. The athletic program will always be in conformity with the general objectives of the school and at no time will the educational curriculum be placed in a secondary role.

The fundamental principle of sports, particularly competitive athletics, is to augment the education of the young. Athletics should both promote and supplement the regular curriculum at the school. The athletic department’s concern is the personal development of each athlete. It is however necessary for the student who elects to participate in Athletics to understand that he/she is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline, self-responsibility and commitment.

EFFORT

RESPECT DISCIPLINE

27 284

21 GRADE6

29 56 GRADE7 GRADE8

19

51 GRADE9

58

29

30 GRADE10 GRADE11 GRADE12

ACS Athens Colloquium II The Growing Impact of Athletics Social Media at ACS Athens

By Annie Constantinides and Valia Efstathiou

At the ACS Athens Colloquium II, a showcase of research-driven initiatives and school improvement projects, an evaluation research project was presented examining how social media can strengthen communication, engagement, and school spirit within the school community. The study focused on the research question: “How does creating and

in August 2022 to modernize athletic communication and highlight student-athlete experiences. While ACS Athens already maintained central school social media accounts, there was no platform specifically dedicated to athletics. Before the launch of the account, ACS Athens was one of the few international schools without a dedicated athletics social media presence.

maintaining an athletics Instagram account influence student engagement, communication, and overall school spirit within the school community?”

The evaluation research explored the impact of the Instagram account @acsathens.athletics, launched

Since its launch, the account has featured athlete spotlights, game highlights, community service initiatives, and event reels that celebrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride. The platform has also helped strengthen connections among students, parents, alumni, and the broader school community.

Through surveys conducted with 116 student-athletes in grades 9–12 during the 2025 school year, the research revealed that nearly 79% of student-athletes follow the account, while close to 90% engage with its content weekly. Most notably, 94% of participants

reported that being featured on the athletics Instagram account made them feel more recognized as studentathletes. Many students also shared that the platform helped them feel more appreciated and connected to ACS Athens.

Students identified athlete recognition posts, game highlights, and motivational content as their favorite features, while also suggesting more behind-thescenes footage and coaches’ insights for future posts. The research also highlighted that increased visibility through social media may create future opportunities for student-athletes by helping them connect with

colleges and universities.

Most importantly, the findings reinforced the importance of listening to and valuing the voices of student-athletes. Their feedback continues to guie the growth of the platform, as the Athletics Department strives to create meaningful experiences that recognize, support, and celebrate its student-athletes. As the account continues to grow, so does its role in strengthening school spirit, connection, and pride throughout ACS Athens.

Competitive Teams

Middle School Swimming

School

School

Our

Coaching Team

Angelos Dimitropoulos

JV Boys Volleyball, Varsity Girls Basketball, Track & Field, Cross Country

Justin Cramer

Varsity Boys Basketball, Middle School Boys Basketball

Vasilis Mikros

JV Boys Soccer, Cross Country, Track & Field

Efi Karatopouzi Track & Field

Ilias Karapiperis

Varsity Boys Soccer

Labrini Rontogiannis

Varsity Girls Volleyball

Varsity Girls Soccer, JV Girls Soccer, Middle School Girls Soccer

Where Dedication Leads: Spotlight on a Student-Athlete Alum Konstantinos Genidounias, Class of 2010

University: University of Southern California, Degree: BA Communications

During your high school years at ACS Athens, you were competing at Club level in the sport of water polo. How did you balance academics and athletics?

I was always trying to put school first, because growing up, I knew that was a priority. I never missed practice for school because I always found time, either on the school bus or after practice, to deal with schoolwork.

There’s time for everything; it’s all about organization and balance.

What originally drew you to your sport, and when did you realize you could compete at the collegiate level, and of course, at the highest possible level, which is the professional arena?

I started playing water polo because of my older brother. I looked up to him, so I wanted to do what he did. I started at the age of 8, and at around 10-11 years old, I realized I could be pretty good at it. By the age of 13-14, I knew if I took it seriously, I could compete at the highest level.

How did being part of a team influence your leadership or communication skills?

I believe this is something that comes with being part of a team. Everyone needs to communicate, but not all can be leaders. If you’re not communicating with your teammates and coaches, the team will slowly push you out. Being a leader in a team is something that is gained by trust and hard work.

What lessons from your sport have carried over into your career or life through the years?

There are so many examples of how sports relate to life in general. Being part of a team, having to push your limits every day, having ups and downs, wins and losses. All the above are examples of how my sports career has helped me and will continue helping me integrate my skills into my next career after sports and in life.

What advice would you give to current student-athletes who hope to succeed both in the field and after college, and even after a full professional career?

My advice would be to never quit your dreams. There is time for everything. Time for school, time for practice, time for relaxing, and time for a fun party. Have a schedule, be organized, disciplined, and have priorities. You can be an athlete up to 35-40 years old, so make sure you have set the path for the rest of your life.

What are some memorable sports moments that you are especially proud of?

I am very proud of what my teams and I have accomplished, however the most memorable moments are winning the Olympic silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and winning the Championships League with Olympiacos in 2018.

During your years at ACS Athens, even though your sport was not offered, were there any coaches and/ or teachers that had an impact on your life?

Yes, unfortunately, my sport wasn’t offered, however I had the chance to swim sometimes at the pool. I remember both coach Annie Constantinides and coach Athanasia Kotsiani were always supportive, and Mr.Pelidis always offered to help me when my schedule was becoming overwhelming.

Which of the following words best describes yourself (Effort, Discipline, Sportsmanship, Motivation, Respect, Pride)? And why?

Discipline, because I believe it is what got me to where I am today, and motivation, because even now at 33 years old, I find ways to keep myself motivated to keep going.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is never being satisfied, always keep trying for more.

Konstantinos Genidounias accolades include:

• Olympic silver medalist with Greece at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

• World Championship silver medalist at the 2023

• World Championships Bronze medalist in 2015 and 2022

• Three-time NCAA Champion with the USC Trojans

Athletes of the week

The “Athlete of the Week” recognition is a recent initiative designed to highlight student-athletes who demonstrate the Athletic Department’s core values - effort, discipline, motivation, sportsmanship, pride, and respect- through their dedication in practice and competition.

Back-to-Back Champions: A Season Built on Trust and Leadership

By Angelos Dimitropoulos

Winning one ISAA championship is special. Winning two in a row is something else entirely.

This year’s back-to-back title run by our Varsity girls basketball team wasn’t just about talent—it was about trust, leadership, chemistry, and a shared belief that success is earned long before the final buzzer sounds.

From the very beginning, this team looked different. We weren’t just defending a title; we were building a new identity. With a strong core of experienced players and a group of new athletes stepping into bigger roles, the challenge was clear: blend the old with the new, and do it quickly.

That’s where leadership made the difference.

Our experienced players set the tone early—not just in games, but in the quiet hours most people never see. Morning practices became the foundation of our season. While others were still waking up, this team was already in the gym, putting in the work.

The experienced players led by example. They showed the younger athletes what it meant to prepare, to communicate, and to compete with intensity. And the new players responded. They didn’t just fill roles— they embraced them, grew into them, and elevated the team in ways that couldn’t have been predicted at

the start of the season.

By the time the championship game arrived, the result felt like the natural conclusion of a long and demanding season. Every early morning, every drill, every moment of leadership and sacrifice had built toward that point.

Back-to-back championships aren’t won by chance. They are earned through consistency, accountability, and a culture where every player matters.

This team didn’t just win again—they proved why they deserved to.

Every Pair Makes a Difference Giving Back Thinking of others

For a number of years, our student-athletes, led by the Athletic Council, have spearheaded a special project with the sole purpose of giving back to the community. As social responsibility is deeply embedded in our school’s philosophy, the Sports Shoes Recycling Project has become one of the Athletic Department’s

By Annie Constantinides

most impactful and enduring community service programs.

Over the years, this initiative has united the entire ACS Athens community around a common purpose: supporting individuals and families in need through

the simple act of donating gently used sneakers. The project serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest contribution can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

The ACS Athens community has fully embraced this endeavor, and thanks to the generosity of many families, close to 200 pairs of used sneakers in various sizes were collected, packaged, and donated to homeless shelters throughout Attica.

The Sports Shoes Recycling Project has been at the forefront of the Athletic Department’s community service efforts for more than 10 years. ACS Athens has partnered with the NGO “Institute Team for the World,” and over the years, more than 2,000 pairs of sneakers have been collected and distributed, positively impacting countless lives.

ISAA

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CROSS COUNTRY

Champions - Combined category

Place

seniors

20262025

As you begin the next chapter in your life, may you carry forward the friendships, lessons, and moments that made these years truly special.

Congratulations on your achievements on and off the courts!

Swish Basketball @ACS Athens

By Antonis Polychronopoulos and Angelos Dimitropoulos

For the second consecutive year, the Swish Easter Basketball Camp concluded with great success, bringing together more than 16 athletes from our school as well as from across the Athens region—even as far as Zakynthos.

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in a structured, age-specific training program

designed to enhance fundamental basketball skills. The camp combined technical development with modern training methods, including the use of the Dr. Dish shooting machine, targeted fitness sessions, and a unique aquatic component.

New to this year’s program was the introduction of an aquatic training component, which added a dynamic

and refreshing dimension to the camp experience. Athletes participated in swimming and standup paddleboarding (SUP), activities designed to improve balance, coordination, and overall physical conditioning, while also promoting recovery and injury prevention.

Beyond skill development, the camp emphasized teamwork, friendly competition, and enjoyment of the game. Through organized games and challenges, athletes strengthened their connection to basketball while building lasting relationships within an expanding community.

With participation continuing to grow each year, the Swish Easter Camp is steadily establishing itself. Both camp attendees and year-round athletes through the Swish Academy benefit from a supportive, structured, and inspiring environment that fosters continuous improvement and a genuine love for the game. What began in January 2025 has already shown remarkable growth, with even greater plans on the horizon. The future of the program looks bright—stay tuned.

The year through the lens

Student recognition

College acceptances

Student-athletes Antonis Malavazos and Elli Gerontikou (Grade 12) will both continue their academic and athletic journeys in the United States after earning collegiate tennis opportunities through their strong academic profiles, dedication to the sport, and competitive success on the court.

Antonis has committed to Dickinson College (Pennsylvania, USA), where he will compete as a

member of the Men’s Tennis Team in NCAA Division III competition.

Elli will attend Brandeis University (Massachusetts, USA) and compete with the Women’s Tennis Team in NCAA Division III while pursuing her academic goals. We are proud of both student-athletes and wish them continued success in their collegiate journeys.

1st Place Finishes at the Panhellenic School Games

Student-athletes Nefeli Venetsanou (Grade 11) and Georgios Stergiopoulos (Grade 12) delivered outstanding performances at the Panhellenic School Games, each earning first-place finishes in their respective events.

Nefeli captured first place in the 400m freestyle swimming event in Athens, securing qualification for the World School Championships in Rio de Janeiro this December.

From Club to School: Different Backgrounds, One Jersey

By Labrini Rontogiannis

At the beginning of the season, it was easy to look at our roster and feel excited. We had talent, experience, and several club players, many of whom had already spent countless hours on the volleyball court before our try-outs had even begun! But our team was not made up of club players alone. We also had girls who did not play on a club team but were athletic and

simply loved the game, as well as others who had once played competitively and had since “retired” in order to focus more fully on their academic responsibilities. That combination brought a different kind of strength to the team. From the outside, it may have seemed like an obvious advantage. People often assume that if a team has many club players, success should come

naturally. But being on the inside, it never feels quite that simple…

Having many club players can definitely strengthen a team, but it can also create many challenges unseen to an outsider. Each athlete comes from a different environment, with different coaching styles, systems, expectations, habits and even different positions! Some players are used to one pace of play, while others are used to another. Some come in with leadership experience, while others are adjusting to new roles. Even when everyone on the team loves the game, they do not automatically play as one. Bringing all of that together under one school team, especially in a very short fall season; that part takes time.

And time is exactly what school sports often do not have.

Unlike club volleyball, where teams have yearround seasons to develop chemistry and settle into their team identity, school teams are asked to come together quickly: 10 weeks quickly! There is very little room for a slow start. That is what stands out most when I reflect on this season. The challenge was never whether these athletes knew how to play volleyball; the talent was there from the start. The real challenge was helping them learn how to play TOGETHER: to trust each other, communicate naturally, and commit to something bigger. That may not always be visible to an outsider, but it was one of the defining stories of this year’s team. Over the course of the season, what began as a group of strong individual athletes, gradually became a more connected school team. Through practices, matches, shared laughs, and

experiences, the players began to understand one another better. It was not always easy, and it came with some tension and drama, but communication improved, roles became clearer, and teamwork grew.

By the end of the season, that growth was evident.

Of course, finishing in second place again at this year’s ISAA in London was disappointing. It would be dishonest to pretend otherwise. When you are part of a team with high standards, strong players, and big goals, second place does not feel like enough. There is pride in it, yes. To finish second is still an accomplishment, and not a small one. But there is also that lingering feeling of being so close, and of wanting just a little more for this phenomenal group of girls. Still, that feeling should not take away from what this team achieved.

What stays with me most is not only where we

finished, but who this team became along the way. I will remember the process of watching them come together. I will remember the moments when things finally started to click. I will remember the challenge of trying to turn strong individuals (and shy ones!) into leaders and one united team in a season that ALWAYS feels too short. And I will remember how much heart this group had.

Sometimes the most meaningful teams are not the ones that have the easiest path or the most perfect ending. Sometimes they are the ones that force you, as a coach, to reflect a little more deeply. It’s the teams that remind you that success is not only about talent or results, but about growth, unity, and the relationships built along the way.

This year’s team was full of strong players. But by the end, they were more than that. They were a TEAM in the truest sense of the word. It was not because that

came easily, but because they worked for it. They became a true school team; a team that competed with heart, represented the school with pride, and showed what can happen when individual strengths are brought together in service of something bigger. In many ways, they came to reflect the values our athletic program strives to instill in every student-

athlete: discipline, sportsmanship, effort, respect, motivation, and pride.

Different backgrounds. Different habits. Different experiences. But in the end, one jersey. One team. One season that will stay with us.

ACS ATHENS INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING CUP

ACS ATHENS INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING CUP 2026

The ACS Athens Swimming Cup took place for the 20th time, continuing a long-lasting tradition and creating so many memories for students, coaches, and parents. Over 200 swimmers competed across two exciting days, representing schools from Kenya, England, Egypt, Israel, Tunisia, and Poland, along with five Athens-based schools.

The pool was filled with energy and team spirit as swimmers delivered strong performances across a wide range of events. They demonstrated technique, endurance, and a strong will to compete, regardless of their abilities. Our Middle School and

Academy swimmers stood out, with many achieving personal best times and breaking school records— an excellent reflection of their dedication, consistent training, and focus. A highlight of the event was our High School team’s impressive 3rd place overall finish, trailing the American School of Warsaw and ACS Cobham.

Congratulations to all swimmers and coaches for their commitment, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm. The competition served as excellent preparation for the ISAA Championship, which was the culminating activity of their season!

Co-hosted by ACS Athens and Campion

Track & Field Meet International

On Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8, our student athletes competed at the annual International Track and Field Competition, co-hosted by Campion and ACS Athens. Competing schools were: AAS Sofia, The International School of Azerbaijan, ACS Tunis, Campion and ACS Athens.

All our athletes competed in several events and many of them broke their personal records. Our Middle School team and High School team finished in first place, having earned a total of 15 gold medals, 19 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Congratulations to all our athletes and coaches for their hard work, dedication, and remarkable achievements!

ISAA Tennis Championships

ACS Athens hosted the last event of the year, the ISAA Tennis Championships. The competition took place at the ACE tennis club on clay courts, and everyone had a great experience.

Our varsity team faced teams from Vienna, England, Cairo, and Israel over two days, and all the tennis players competed with great poise and sportsmanship.

Congratulations to the ACS Athens Varsity team for the first-place finish; outstanding performances from both our singles and doubles players. To all our seniors players: keep on playing!