College Basketball: The ABC/ESAM Team Crowned FFSU Regional Champion
In its very first appearance in the FFSU Level 2 Grandes Écoles Championship, the Paris campus basketball team—composed of students from the American Business College and ESAM-had an exceptional season: a flawless run that culminated in a regional title. This remarkable achievement exemplifies the commitment, unity, and team spirit demonstrated by our students.
The adventure began last January with an extensive selection process involving more than 35 students from various programs within the Group. After several weeks of evaluation, a smaller team was formed, consisting of students from ABC and ESAM, to represent the IGENSIA Education Group in the FFSU university championship.
Composed of students from diverse backgrounds—including finance, business administration, sports management, and fashion merchandising—the team quickly stood out for its FFSU. This identity is even reflected in their nickname: “The Hooping Nerds,” a nod to these students’ ability to combine academic excellence with athletic performance.
A steady rise in form throughout the season
Despite limited preparation—with only one hour of practice per week and a late start to the season in January—the players managed to build strong team chemistry as the season progressed. After a close opening match, the team gradually found its rhythm and set the pace for the competition.
Results:
- ✅ Best point differential in the competition
- ✅ Qualified for the final phase as the No. 1 seed starting in the quarterfinals
- 📈 8 wins – 0 losses
- 🏆 FFSU Level 2 Grandes Écoles Regional Champions
Facing off against institutions already well-established in the academic landscape, the ABC/ESAM team prevailed thanks to a combination of discipline, intensity, and smart play!
A victory that reflects the Group’s values
Beyond the athletic results, this first season above all highlighted strong values: commitment, team spirit, perseverance, and solidarity. Under the guidance of Yuanist WOODS—ABC’s Head of Development & Communications—the team’s students demonstrated that it is possible to balance demanding higher education with high-level athletic competition.
Among the highlights of this season, the final played on May 7 will remain particularly symbolic. Crowned champions by default after the opposing team failed to show up, the team nevertheless chose to play in front of the families, friends, and students in the stands, forming two teams of five and turning the moment into a true collective celebration.
A momentum already focused on the future
Building on the success of this first season, the team is now looking ahead with ambition. A promotion to a higher division is already being considered for next season, with the goal of continuing to develop basketball within the Group and further strengthening student representation in collegiate competitions. New projects are also under consideration, notably the creation of women’s and co-ed teams to enable even more students to represent the IGENSIA Education Group on college courts!
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It was a real pleasure to build and organize this team, to get to know each of these players, and to fight for them. I also learned a great deal about how the FFSU operates, while ensuring that our students were represented with dignity within the organization. I quickly recognized their talent and wanted to give them the very best. For their part, they trusted me, believed in my vision, and gave it their all from day one. From this relationship grew a mutual respect that allowed me to guide them all the way to the finals. When students trust your abilities and genuinely know that you have their best interests at heart, they listen to you and follow you naturally—whether in admissions or in sports. I’m really looking forward to doing it all over again!
