Champion Volleyballers Build on Middle School's Athletics Momentum

Our Middle School volleyball teams are the latest example of a year filled with momentum for ICS Addis Middle School athletics — a season marked not only by victories on the scoreboard, but also by growing participation, leadership, and community pride.

This season, both our boys and girls teams captured the local league championships, earning the title of International Schools Association of Addis Ababa champions and showcasing the teamwork, determination, and joy that define Eagles athletics.

The success on the court reflects something even bigger happening within the program. This year, more than 90 students participated in Middle School volleyball. ICS fielded two competitive teams for both boys and girls in the local league, alongside development teams for the boys and the girls designed to build skills, confidence, and a love for the game. The result has been a vibrant and inclusive environment where students of varying experience levels can grow and contribute.

A key part of this success has been the strength of coaching and mentorship across divisions. With High School varsity coaches Bethel Wondwossen and Goliad Tameru serving in leadership roles within the Middle School program, combined with the supporte of a dedicated group of new and long-term assistant coaches, they have created a pathway that supports our middle school athletes and strengthens continuity and skill development as students progress into High School.

“ICS Middle School girls have developed a love for volleyball throughout this season, which has been key to having a successful team; not only in terms of winning which they did, but also in building athletes with strong character and sportsmanship who stop at nothing to reach their goals,” said Coach Bethel, who is also an ICS Addis volleyball alumna who grew up playing in the program. “Loving the sport is what kept the team strong, and ultimately we saw the results both on the scoreboard and in who they are as individuals and as a team.”

“The growing love for volleyball is evident in their eagerness for more practices, their constant questions about how to improve, their willingness to show up early and stay late just to scrimmage a little longer or practice their serves, their desire to take on challenges—even wanting to play teams they know will win by large margins, like the varsity teams—and their parents partnering with us coaches to learn how to support their child’s passion for volleyball and help them continue playing and developing after the season ends. And the demand keeps growing!”

The volleyball championships build on an already exciting year for ICS Middle School athletics.

Earlier this school year, our girls football team captured the first-ever ISSEA East Middle School Football Championship, while the boys earned a strong second-place finish — another milestone moment for the ICS program. There is similar continuity building among the coaching staff serving both our Middle and High School teams.

Equally powerful has been the energy surrounding games on campus. Middle School matches have drawn enthusiastic crowds of classmates, families, and community members whose encouragement has helped elevate the experience for student athletes. This year's expansion of the ISSEA conference to include sports tournaments specifically for Middle School has added to already growing interest, engagement, and investment of resources.

This growing sense of support reflects the spirit of belonging and celebration that sits at the heart of ICS athletics.

For several years, the ICS Addis community has been asking for increased engagement, spirit, and opportunity for our Middle School athletics programs. This series of victories, our growing participation, and the expanded opportunities in the Middle School are a direct result of targeted strategic efforts to turn this aspiration into a reality,” Athletics & Activities Director Dave Williams said.

“This success is thanks to the commitment and collaboration of our school leadership team, our coaches, our athletes, and our community. I am so proud of the way everyone in has come together to showcase the values and the spirit of ICS through our Middle School athletics.”

Together, the championships, strong participation, dedicated coaching, and community engagement highlight a middle school athletics program that continues to thrive.

More than wins and trophies, the season represents opportunities for students to build confidence, develop leadership, and experience the joy of representing their school — lessons that extend far beyond the volleyball court.