ATHLETICS

Overview

At the Middle School and High School level, THIS is currently part of the International Schools Athletic Conference (ISAC). This league gives THIS athletes the chance to play friendly competitions among international schools located in Beijing and Tianjin. Each sport season ends with a final tournament. Our primary division is also part of the Junior International Schools Athletic Conference (JISAC) league. As part of the Junior ISAC league international schools around Beijing invite other schools to participate in half-day sporting events to experience the fun and participation of sports.

The athletic program produces well-rounded athletes who demonstrate excellent sportsmanship, perseverance, and Spartan Spirit both on and off the court. For this reason, we are very proud to be called the Spartans. Our philosophy is to get everyone involved regardless of previous skill level. Our students come and join the Spartans in any of the sporting seasons.

7

Primary School Sports Programs

7

Middle School Sports Program

7

High School Sports Program

25

Total Sports Teams

Mission

The aim of the Tsinghua International School Athletic Program is to create sporting opportunities that turn into positive life-long memories. To use athletics as a vehicle to reach our full potential not only as athletes but as people. To promote quality sportsmanship and develop a team-first mindset all while protecting the safety of our students. We want to create leaders in our athletics program, and we understand that hard work advances self-confidence which one of the driving forces for individual growth. Finally, we enthusiastically guide our student-athletes to become the best human beings they are capable of becoming by cultivating life lessons through sport.

SPORTS AND ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

Meet Our Coaches

Djordje Joksic

Athletics Director

Mr. Djordje Joksic has coached youth basketball for 15 years, ages 5 to 19. His philosophy is to allow students to experience sports in their own way while emphasizing on making own decisions.

Jeremiah Salomon

HS boys basketball

Mr. Jeremiah Salomon has coached High School Boys basketball here at THIS for 8 years. He brings his lifetime of playing basketball and following it to coaching. As a coach and educator, his mission is to build a community of players that support one another, growing as a team and positively encouraging each other. He coaches that mistakes are part of the game and make growth happen if we support one another to learn through them. The team and players work to play a style that fits each of their strengths so they can come together to push the team to a higher level. Through this culture of togetherness and learning the boys have found great success.

Jean Choe Jr.

HS & MS boys basketball

Mr. Jean Choe coaches High School and Middle School basketball teams at THIS. As coach, he strongly believes in the motto “teamwork makes the dream work” and encourages his student athletes to commit to being supportive team members to one another. It is imperative that the student athletes build and sharpen each other by setting the right example through hard work and effort. He looks forward to seeing his players develop and have fun every chance they get.

Djordje Joksic

HS & MS girls basketball

Mr. Djordje Joksic coaches HS and MS Girls Basketball teams, and this is his 3rd year at THIS. He grew up playing basketball which, through education, eventually led him to earning a FIBA coaching license. The coach believes and supports the idea of ‘progression, not perfection’ while promoting compassion and decision making for the benefit of the whole team. Mr. Djordje has near 20 years of coaching experience in youth basketball and is dedicated to pass on the passion and love for the game to his players.

Goncalo Porto

HS & MS boys football

Mr. Gonçalo Porto is a certified soccer coach by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations). He’s background include 20 years of practice as a player and 10 years of coaching experience in Portugal and China. He’ll coach our Middle and High School soccer team and he hopes to encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth in our athletes.

David Fleming

HS & MS girls football

Mr. David Fleming grew up playing competitive ice hockey and has experience being both an assistant varsity hockey coach and a referee under USA Hockey. He is looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that come with coaching soccer. He will be coaching both Middle School and High School Girls soccer with a philosophy focusing on building teamwork, sportsmanship, and finding a passion for the game.

Bart Mingielewicz

HS & MS boys volleyball

Mr. Bart Mingielewicz is a seasoned coach with 18 years of experience, bringing a dynamic approach to volleyball. With a background in track and field, he combines a strong athletic foundation with innovative coaching techniques. His coaching philosophy is based on a combination of enjoyment, engagement, and perseverance. Bart is passionate about creating a fun and engaging environment where athletes can develop their skills and achieve their goals. He is excited to contribute to the success of the volleyball team and looks forward to the upcoming season.

Troy McAdams

HS & MS boys volleyball

Mr. Troy McAdams (aka Mr. Mac) has experience as a Youth coach & Sport director first as a Coach for LiQiuPing Basketball Club in Shanghai, then as a UCLA Summer Sports Clinician and as Youth Sports Director for the YMCA in San Diego, California (USA).
As a young athlete himself, Mr. Mac was an All-American in Athletics, won Secondary Soccer & Basketball championships as a Team Captain, and also an avid ping-pong player amongst other sports.
At the secondary level, Mr. Mac focuses on skill development, team collaboration & communication.

Marta Mingielewicz

HS & MS girls volleyball

Ms. Marta Mingielewicz is a dedicated and passionate volleyball coach, who've had the privilege of coaching U15 girls teams in the past. Her philosophy centers around fostering teamwork, communication, and a love for the sport. She'll coach our Middle and High School volleyball teams. Ms. Marta is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where players can develop their skills and learn valuable life lessons.

Wendi Gai

HS girls volleyball

Ms. Wendy Gai had been trained in track and field for 12 years and has coached different training teams such as girls’ volleyball, badminton and track and field during her career. Her coaching philosophy centers around fair play and sportsmanship, creating an environment where everyone can learn and thrive. She believes in developing not just athletic skills, but also a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.