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Athletics

A group of female basketball players in uniform standing together on a wooden basketball court.

ISSH is the home of the Symbas—our fierce student athletes who train, compete, and win with courage and confidence! Swahili for "lion," our teams have been the Symbas for more than half a century, and they live up to the mascot's symbolism of strength and courage. 

Athletics are a vital part of the extracurricular offerings at ISSH. Middle and High School students compete in six different sports across three sporting seasons (Fall, Winter, and Spring) through the Kanto Plain League and various other international and domestic tournaments. Girls interested in sports are encouraged to participate in the way that suits their own unique interests, whether they've played soccer since they were toddlers or are curious to try out basketball for the first time. We offer both Varsity and Junior Varsity teams in the High School and A, B, and sometimes C teams in the Middle School to ensure that as many students as possible have a chance to participate. In Kindergarten and Junior School, many athletic opportunities are available through the After School Activities and After School Enrichment Programs.

The image depicts a basketball game taking place in a gymnasium, with players from two teams competing on the court.
A young female athlete is jumping in the long jump event on a sports field, with other athletes and coaches visible in the background.
A group of female volleyball players in uniform are engaged in a game on a hardwood court, with spectators seated in the background.

High School Sports Teams

High School sports teams are competitive and participate in the Kanto Plain league against other international schools and DoDEA schools in the greater Tokyo area. Additionally, teams frequently play in both international and domestic invitational tournaments, and in friendly matches with other Sacred Heart schools in Japan and abroad. All sports offer both a Varsity and a Junior Varsity team. Each team has a manager or managers who are responsible for supporting logistical elements for the teams and reporting on their results, providing opportunities for girls who love sport but are not interested in playing to stay involved. 

Middle School Sports Teams

Middle School athletes participate in the Kanto Plain league against other international schools in the greater Tokyo area. Each sport offers an A and B team, and, depending on interest, a C team, as well, meaning that all girls can enjoy participating in matches, regardless of experience and ability level. Middle School sports teams help build skills and create a foundation for girls who wish to continue playing competitive sports in High School.

* Kanto Plain League teams include students in grades 6–8. Grade 5 students have access to Open Gym during lunchtimes, as well as Grade 5 Sports Club after school once a week. They also have sporting opportunities in Options classes, and ASAs are available to them depending on faculty availability each term.

Kindergarten and Junior School Sports Activities

ISSH offers a variety of athletic extracurriculars for students in Kindergarten and Junior School. These activities focus on teamwork, skill-building, and fun, rather than competition. Commonly run sports activities include*: 

  • Baby Sports Club for Kindergarteners
  • Aikido 
  • Basketball
  • Multi-Skills Athletic Club
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field 

*Course offerings may change from year to year.

Symbas Athletics News

Athletics Calendar

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A young female athlete in a navy blue uniform is running on a track field, with other athletes visible in the background.
Junior Varsity volleyball players with their coach during a timeout.
Two young women in tennis attire are playing a match on a tennis court, with a green backdrop and a banner for the International School of the Sacred Heart visible in the background.