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IB Diploma · Sport
From a dragon to a college athlete in the USA: Tom’s journey of passion, discipline and community
Tom arrived at PBIS at three years old and picked up a basketball at twelve, alongside competitive skiing. For years he carried both, until an injury made the choice for him. What changed his game was not training harder, but listening.
To improve, I had to let go of my ego. I had to listen to players who were better than me.
He now trains with Sokol Vyšehrad and is preparing for college basketball in the United States — while running sessions for younger players at school, so they can see what is possible.
Tom’s story reflects what long-term development at PBIS can look like when curiosity meets commitment. Having joined the school at just three years old, his journey is shaped not by a single breakthrough moment, but by years of gradual growth, support, and personal determination. Today, Tom is preparing to continue his basketball career at college level in the United States.
Tom’s earliest memories of PBIS are not about performance or achievement. They are about community. He remembers a small, close-knit environment where relationships formed naturally and where school felt like a place of belonging. “It was a small community,” he recalls. “I remember mostly just playing with friends.” That sense of connection remained a constant throughout his time at PBIS and later became an important foundation for his development both as a student and as an athlete.
Basketball entered Tom’s life relatively late. He started playing in Year 7, at the age of 12, while still pursuing competitive skiing. At first, basketball was simply an interest – something he explored alongside other activities. What drew him in was the energy of the sport and the influence of professional players. Watching athletes like Steph Curry sparked a deeper connection. “I just found passion in it,” he says.
For several years, Tom balanced both skiing and basketball. Eventually, that balance became unsustainable. Skiing began to feel repetitive, and after experiencing an injury, he faced a decision. He chose basketball. “That was the moment I decided to fully commit,” he explains.
The shift from interest to commitment happened early. By Year 8, Tom began to approach basketball differently. Training became more structured. Feedback became more important. Improvement became intentional. He realized that progress required more than effort – it required openness. “To improve, I had to let go of my ego,” he says. “I had to listen to players who were better than me.” That mindset became a turning point.
Tom’s development continued through multiple stages. He trained regularly with the school team and developed his skills at PBIS under the guidance of teachers and coaches. Later, he joined external academies, including Coach Benčič Academy, where he trained alongside players competing at the highest level in the Czech Republic. By the end of Year 11, he moved to Sokol Vyšehrad, where he continues to play. Each step introduced a higher level of competition – and required adaptation. “When I moved to a stronger environment, I realized how much I still had to improve,” he reflects.
Basketball shaped more than just Tom’s athletic ability. It shaped his mindset. He learned that showing up does not mean being ready, it means being willing to improve. Mistakes became part of the process, not something to avoid. “It’s about accepting errors and continuing,” he explains. That same approach carried over into his academic life.
Throughout his journey, the support of the school played a key role. Teachers invested time beyond lessons, supervising training sessions, supporting his schedule, and encouraging his goals. The school environment also created opportunities. From access to facilities to the development of a new outdoor basketball court, PBIS actively supported students who wanted to pursue their passions. “I feel supported every day,” Tom says. “Not just academically, but in what I want to achieve outside the classroom.”
One of Tom’s most significant contributions has been his impact on the school community. He did not focus only on his own development. He worked to build something for others. He helped rebuild the basketball culture at PBIS, organizing training sessions, supporting younger students, and creating an environment where others could grow. “I run sessions for younger players,” he explains. “I want them to see what’s possible.” For Tom, leadership meant setting an example both on and off the court.
What drives him forward is not only achievement, but progression. He is preparing for the next level: college basketball in the United States, where competition will be significantly higher. To reach that level, he continues to push himself physically, mentally, and technically. At the same time, he understands the emotional side of sport. Basketball taught him humility. It showed him how quickly confidence can change and how important it is to stay consistent regardless of results. “You have to trust the process,” he says.
Basketball has already opened important opportunities for Tom. It has shaped his future studies, taken him to new environments, and connected him with people who share similar ambitions. Looking ahead, his goals remain open but ambitious. He hopes to reach a level of international recognition in the sport, while continuing to grow both academically and personally.
Reflecting on his journey, Tom emphasizes one key idea. Passion alone is not enough. It must be supported by habits. “Sports open many doors,” he says. “But you need to build good habits to go through them.” For younger students, his message is clear: explore, commit, and stay consistent.
From a young student in a close-knit community to a college athlete in the United States, his journey continues step by step.
