Mia Brings Home The Gold!

Classical Preparatory School is thrilled to highlight the incredible achievements of one of our own, Mia. This year, Mia represented the USA in the Girls (U16 & U14) Basketball division at the 2024 United World Games (UWG) in June. Traveling to Italy, Austria, and Germany, Mia competed in the largest youth tournament in Europe, showcasing her exceptional skills on an international stage.

Mia’s journey to the UWG was a testament to her dedication and passion for basketball. Competing at this level requires not only talent but also relentless hard work and commitment. Mia has consistently demonstrated these qualities, making her a standout player and an exemplary student-athlete at Classical Prep.

In addition to her athletic prowess, Mia is a shining example of community spirit at Classical Prep. During the summer, she volunteers at our sports clinics, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for basketball with younger scholars. Her willingness to give back to her school community reflects the values we hold dear, and we are incredibly proud of her contributions.

Beyond the basketball court, Mia had the unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Europe, expanding her knowledge and creating lasting memories.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the UWG, Mia’s team maintained an unbeaten record of 6-0 and secured the gold medal after defeating tough competitors, with the final score being 28-25. Competing against teams like Germany, Austria, and Slovenia and sharing a mutual passion for basketball with these girls from different parts of the globe was incredibly inspiring. This USA team, composed of talented girls from across the United States and coached by Sam Kirby, met for the first time on this trip. They had their first practices in Austria before their inaugural games. Despite this, they united, worked diligently, and played with intensity and purpose, culminating in a joyous celebration in Venice, Italy.

Congratulations, Mia, on this incredible achievement! Your dedication to your sport, your community, and your academics exemplifies the spirit of Classical Prep. We are confident that you will achieve great things in your future endeavors. Your Classical Prep family is incredibly proud of you.

“This trip to Europe turned out to be so much more than basketball. It was filled with culture and history beyond our norms, which became an experience that I’ll never forget. I couldn’t have wished for a better group of girls and coach to share this medal with. Thank you, PhD Hoops USA!” – Mia

Raphael Brings Home Silver & Bronze!

Raphael M’s journey to Bahrain was nothing short of extraordinary. Representing the U.S. in the ISF Junior Olympiad Games, he stepped into the arena with both excitement and determination. His hard work and focus paid off when he earned a silver medal in short weapons, a powerful achievement that fueled his drive to reach the podium once more. Driven by this momentum, Raphael went on to win a bronze in kumite (fighting), marking his place as a fierce competitor on the international stage.

Beyond the competition, Raphael forged friendships with his U.S. teammates, sharing stories, encouragement, and laughs that made the experience unforgettable. During his downtime, Raphael immersed himself in Bahrain’s rich culture, visiting a local cathedral and experiencing the thrill of the F1 arena, where he watched racing up close. He also made time to support his fellow athletes by watching table tennis, badminton, and gymnastics, each performance showcasing strength and grace.

The people of Bahrain welcomed the team warmly, eager to share their culture and hospitality. Proud of their country, the residents made Raphael and his teammates feel at home halfway around the world. The U.S. karate team brought their skill and dedication to the forefront, winning an impressive 39 of the 50 medals earned by the entire U.S. delegation. 

Raphael’s experience in Bahrain was filled with personal achievements, cultural discovery, and team camaraderie—a journey he’ll cherish for years to come.