AOSR Falcons Claim Fourth European Championship in Five Years
In the world of international school sports, building a dynasty is rare. Yet on a cold Saturday in Wiesbaden, Germany, the American Overseas School of Rome girls’ varsity basketball team did more than win a game. They made history.
On February 14, 2026, the Falcons secured their fourth DoDEA European Division II Championship in just five years. The achievement includes back to back titles for the second time during that stretch. It is a level of consistency that has established the Rome based squad as a benchmark for student athletics across Europe.
The championship game against Vicenza was a tense defensive battle. Every possession mattered. In a contest decided in the final moments, AOSR edged out a 38 to 36 victory.
Natalia, one of the team’s leaders, delivered a standout performance. Alongside teammates Silvia, Gloria, Leah, and Nina, she rose to the occasion on the biggest stage. Natalia scored 22 of the team’s 38 points and controlled the pace of the game when it mattered most. Her composure under pressure earned her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
Leadership has also been central to the Falcons’ success. Head Coach Aldred and Vice Coach Sternberg have built a program that balances discipline with encouragement. The strong bond between coaches and players was clear as the final whistle sounded.
In an emotional moment after the game, Coach Aldred told Stars and Stripes, “It’s been the best group of players I’ve ever coached.” His words reflected not just the result, but the character and work ethic the team has shown throughout the season.
The victory is both a celebration and a farewell. A core group of seniors now prepares to graduate. Evelyn, Laila, Natalia, Nina, and Silvia, known as the “Senior Five,” have been at the heart of this remarkable run. Together, they won three of the last four Division II European Championships. They arrived as promising freshmen and leave as leaders who defined what it means to be a Falcon.
The Falcons’ success extended beyond basketball. The AOSR Varsity Cheerleading team also competed at the European finals in Germany under challenging circumstances. A last minute injury forced the squad to scrap the routine they had spent months preparing. Instead of withdrawing, they choreographed and learned a completely new routine on site. Their determination earned them a third place finish, a result that felt even more significant given the obstacles they faced.
Looking ahead, the program remains strong. Younger players gained valuable experience during the tournament and will now carry forward the standard set by this senior class.
The “Falcon Way” has become part of the school’s identity. As preparations begin for next season, the goal remains clear: return to Germany and continue building the legacy.
For Rome’s international community, the Falcons’ achievements are a source of pride. AOSR brings together students from diverse cultural backgrounds, and their success reflects the spirit and unity of the school.
The trophies will soon take their place on campus, reminders of dedication, resilience, and teamwork. Congratulations to the players, coaches, cheerleaders, and families who made this championship season possible.
To the graduating seniors: you may be moving on, but you will always be Falcons.
