The campus of Tsinghua International School (THIS) was electrified on Oct. 15 upon the arrival of American tennis legend and the first-ever men's singles Career Golden Slam winner, Andre Agassi, turning an autumn day into an unforgettable memory for the students.
During the campus tennis and pickleball exchange event themed "Youth Together, Tennis for the Future," THIS students had the privilege of rallying with the eight-time Grand Slam champion and accompanying US professional tennis player Jacob Gimelstob. Some lucky students even received autographs from Agassi himself.
Agassi's visit was facilitated through coordination by the General Administration of Sport of China, reflecting broad social recognition of Tsinghua's strengths and achievements in physical education.
During her talk with Agassi, Ms. Fang Yan, Principal of Tsinghua University High School (THUHS) and THIS, emphasized that the school consistently places physical education at its core. She fully affirmed the vital role of sports in promoting students' holistic development, character building, teamwork, and unlocking individual potential.
"I hope Agassi's visit will further ignite our students' passion for sports. The exemplary influence of a sports superstar can inspire students' interest in exploring tennis and pickleball, allowing the love for sports to take root and flourish on campus," said Principal Fang.
Not only an idol, but also a guide on the court
With a racket in hand, playing with the students, Agassi demonstrated not only superb skills but also an attitude of complete immersion in the sport: focusing on every ball, respecting every exchange, and enjoying every moment of the process.
This spirit aligns perfectly with the sports philosophy advocated at THIS – here, sports are not just about competition; they are about self-discovery in every run and perseverance in growth with every drop of sweat.
Agassi's career is like a narrative poem of constant transcendence through adversity, which is precisely what the school hopes students learn through sports – life is not about fearing falls, but about rising to continue.
Role models embody a strength we can meet eye to eye
At THIS, the transmission of sports spirit is never confined to the classroom. Just as Agassi became a "mentor for a day," it is common to see older students serving as assistant coaches for THIS sports teams.
They pass on not just techniques, but also spirit and warmth. This companionship across age groups builds the strongest and warmest emotional network within the school, allowing the sports ethos to flow naturally between generations of students.
Get moving, not to become the next him, but to become a better you
Agassi encouraged students to actively participate in sports to break down barriers, dissolve differences, and continuously push their limits while inspiring others through athletics.
These words resonate with THIS' core value of "Wellbeing," which always holds the foremost position among the school's core values. Through running, jumping, falling, and getting back up – via sports, physical exercise, emotional release, and competition – students deeply internalize resilience, teamwork, and the ability to overcome setbacks.
Here at THIS, sports are not about replicating legends, but about igniting the potential within every individual.
Although Agassi's visit has concluded, the passion for sports and the spark of spirit he ignited are quietly integrating into every corner of the campus. It belongs not merely to a moment of excitement, but to the rooting of a culture and the continuation of values.
Here at THIS, sports are a common language, teaching students how to face wins and losses, understand cooperation, and embrace the process. It is an inner strength, shaping character traits of resilience, optimism, respect, and teamwork.
What Agassi brought was not just tennis skill, but a sports spirit encompassing perseverance, respect, and passion. This spirit will continue to live on – in every running figure, every team high-five, every determined look that refuses to give up – accompanying THIS students as they journey towards a brighter future.
