Raider Spotlight

Louis, number 10 for the ISB Raiders Varsity Boys Soccer Team

Hometown

I’m from Paris, but I have lived in Germany for most of my life. I only recently moved to Brussels.

Number of years playing soccer

I’ve been playing soccer since 2016, when I was eight years old. I played at club level from 2016 until 2024, and I’ve continued playing through the ISB Varsity team.

Share something interesting that our community may not know about you.

Something people might not know is that I played at the Paris Saint-Germain academy when I was younger.

Why did you start playing? What got you interested initially?

I started playing soccer in 2016, when France hosted the Euros. I fell in love with the game watching Antoine Griezmann light up the pitch, and that tournament inspired me to start playing myself.

What do you love about soccer now?

The team aspect is what keeps me playing. Outside of soccer, I spend a lot of time doing endurance sports like cycling and running, which are often individual, so I really value the friendships, teamwork, and shared experiences that come with soccer.

Do you have a moment playing the game or a story that really made an impression on you?

My most memorable moment was reaching the ISST final with the Varsity team last year. We made it deep into the tournament and had an incredible run as a team. Being able to represent ISB on that stage with my teammates and experience it all together is something I’ll never forget.

What have you enjoyed most about being a Raider?

I’ve really enjoyed the travelling aspect of being a Raider. Being able to represent our school in different countries, compete against new teams, and build friendships with students from other schools makes it a really unique experience.

Advice for younger Raiders...

Always give 100% and stay confident. There will be moments when things don’t go your way, but trusting yourself, working hard, and continuing to believe in what you can do will take you a long way.

Manon, centre forward for the ISB Raiders Varsity Girls Soccer Team

The Raider Spotlight is a feature that highlights the experiences and stories of our student-athletes. Get to know the personalities behind the uniform. This week, we took some time aside to get to know Manon, centre forward for the Varsity Girls Soccer Team. She is coming off a weekend in which she scored an unbelievable 12 goals over three matches!

Hometown

I grew up in Venice Beach, California, and started playing soccer at age six with Santa Monica United.

Why soccer?

My older brother inspired me to begin. As a younger sister I watched his games from the sidelines, wishing I could join him, and wanted to play just like he did. Twelve years later, soccer is still a huge part of my life.

Since those early days, I’ve played for three clubs, including academy teams with Downtown United in New York City and Anderlecht in Belgium. Now soccer has been a huge part of my life, playing three times a week for most of my life with games on the weekends, building friendships and leadership skills along the way. The thing I have learned the most is how to be part of a team, and the collaboration that comes from playing soccer. Understanding that in order to win you have to pass.

Do you have a moment playing the game that made a significant impression on you?

The most significant moment in my soccer journey was winning State Cup at age 10. This moment was monumental as I was playing with friends that I still cherish today. I’ll never forget the excitement of that moment. Celebrating a win with my teammates gave me a rush I haven’t found anywhere else.

What do you enjoy most about being a Raider?

Joining the Raiders community has helped me grow even more. I love traveling with my teammates, getting to know players from different grades, and building relationships on and off the field. Being a Raider has reminded me that we grow as players when we support one another and work together as a team.

Advice for younger Raiders?

My advice to younger Raiders is to keep showing up, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Cheer for your teammates, make the pass, and enjoy the friendships you build along the way. The games and wins are exciting, but the people you share them with are what you’ll remember most.