From Underdogs to Champions: The Rise of CIA FIRST’s Chbar Ampov Girls Volleyball Team

At CIA FIRST International School, success is not only measured in the classroom. It is also built on the court, through teamwork, resilience, and the courage to grow.

This year, our High School Girls Volleyball team at the Chbar Ampov campus achieved something extraordinary—winning the ISSAPP Championship and representing their school at the National level. But the most inspiring part of this story is how far the program has come in just a few short years.

Building a Program from the Ground Up

Two years ago, when teacher and coach Sam Kennamer transferred from our Sen Sok campus to Chbar Ampov, he began developing the High School girls volleyball program alongside fellow coach Duncan Smith.

At the time, competitive sports were still developing at the campus. We were building from the ground up, learning the game and each other.

When the first tryouts were held, only 18 students showed up. It was a new experience for everyone involved, but the goal was always clear: to build a program where students could grow not only as athletes, but also as teammates and leaders.

“We joined the ISSAPP league knowing we weren’t fully prepared yet,” said coach Sam Kennamer, who helped build the program from its earliest days. That first season was tough—we only won a single set all year—but the girls never lost their motivation to keep improving.”

What stood out was not the scoreline. Despite setbacks, the players remained motivated, committed to improving and excited to build something new and meaningful together for the school.

A Growing Passion for Volleyball

In the second year, interest in the program more than doubled, with around 40 students attending tryouts. This year, that number grew again to over 60 girls, a clear sign of how much the program had inspired students across the campus.

The team faced unexpected challenges along the way. The construction of a new covered football pitch at the Chbar Ampov campus meant their regular court was unavailable, forcing them to train wherever space could be found. Even with these obstacles, the players continued to develop, securing one match victory and laying a strong foundation for future success.

At the same time, the school began building a Middle School volleyball program, ensuring younger students would have opportunities to build skills and eventually join the high school team.

A Turning Point Season

This year marked a turning point.

Determined to elevate their performance, the team began training four weeks before the school year even started, focusing on strength, conditioning, and refining their system of play. Their commitment went far beyond regular practice sessions—many players trained on weekends and holidays, driven by a shared goal of improving together.

Early in the season, they faced their sister campus, CIA FIRST Sen Sok2, a volleyball program with over a decade of experience in the ISSAPP league. Although the Chbar Ampov team lost the match, the performance revealed how much the players had grown. From that moment forward, the team found their rhythm.

They went on to win four consecutive matches, including a major victory against ISPP (International School of Phnom Penh),  one of the strongest international school programs in Phnom Penh.

Champions of the ISSAPP League

The team finished the regular season in third place, earning a spot in the playoffs.

In the semifinal match, they succeeded against  Asian Hope, the second-seeded team, earning a place in the championship final against their sister campus, Sen Sok.

Despite having a young roster that included four Grade 9 players in the starting lineup, the team rose to the occasion. After losing the first set, the players regrouped, encouraged one another, and fought back with determination. In front of a large and enthusiastic crowd, they completed an incredible comeback—winning the match in a dramatic tie-breaker set and claiming the ISSAPP Championship title.

Competing on the National Stage

Following their championship victory, the team received an extraordinary honor - an invitation to participate in Cambodia’s national volleyball tournament, the Sar Kheng Cup, as the only international school team participating. This was also the first year women’s teams were included in the tournament, making the opportunity even more historic.

Although they were the youngest team in the competition and finished with a 1–2 record, their fearless and energetic style of play quickly captured the attention of fans and organizers.

The Volleyball Federation invited the team back for next year’s tournament and is exploring the creation of a dedicated Under-19 competition, which would allow young teams like ours to compete on an even playing field.

More Than Just a Championship

Perhaps the most inspiring part of this story is the dedication of the students themselves.

Every member of the team is a Full Time Khmer program student, balancing a full academic schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Compared with some of the teams they compete against, the players have significantly less time available for training. Yet through commitment, teamwork, and the guidance of their coaches, they achieved something truly remarkable. Their journey is a reminder that sport is about much more than winning. It is about character, perseverance, leadership, and believing in what is possible.

At CIA FIRST, these are the qualities we strive to nurture in every student.

Discover the CIA FIRST Experience

At CIA FIRST International School, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop their talents, and grow beyond the classroom both academically and personally.

Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the volleyball court, our students are supported by teachers and coaches who believe in their potential.

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