National School Games Athlete Feature: Kayla Sheng

The Athlete Features shine the spotlight on talented young athletes from Sport Singapore's ActiveSG Academies and Clubs as they compete with passion and determination in this year's National School Games, striving to achieve their personal best and represent their schools with pride.

In this article, we hear from Student-Athlete: Kayla Sheng

Influenced by her brother, Kayla Sheng first picked up basketball when she was in primary school. Four years into her hoops journey, she now represents St. Margaret’s School (Secondary) in this year’s National School Games. 

A member of the ActiveSG Basketball Academy at the Clementi Sports Hall, the Secondary 3 student-athlete helped her school finish third in the South Zone ‘B’ Division and feature in the preliminary group round in the main Nationals tournament. ActiveSG Circle catches up with her to find out more on her basketball journey. 

ActiveSG Circle: How did you get started with basketball? 

Kayla: I was 12 (P6) and accompanied my brother for his training sessions organized by Coach G (Hiu Guorong). I was invited to try it out and from then on, was hooked. I began to be involved in regular training sessions and found myself more committed to playing basketball. 

ActiveSG Circle: Was there anyone or anything that inspired you to make this choice?

Kayla: My brother - Kenan. I saw his love for the game and felt an affinity for what he was doing. I liked the fact he would be around to guide me and help me become a better player. As time went by, his enthusiasm rubbed off on me. He’s someone I always look up to and enjoy being with. Till today, he’s been there for me, sharing pointers and giving me valuable advice in my matches.

ActiveSG Circle: How long have you been involved with Active SG Basketball? 

Kayla: For about 3 to 4 years now.

ActiveSG Circle: Who are your present coaches? 

Kayla: 

1. Coach Alanna (Alanna Lim, former national women’s basketball representative) (School)
2. Coach Jiamin (Lim Jiamin, national women’s team captain and head coach of Clementi academy) (ActiveSG)
3. Coach Amanda (Amanda Lim, national women’s basketball player) (Siglap Basketball Club youth)
4. Coach G (Private Coach)

I still regard Coach G as my private Coach even though I haven’t been able to attend his lessons. Too many commitments! 

ActiveSG Circle: What makes you play the sport regularly with ActiveSG? 

Kayla: I guess it’s the commitment of Coach Jiamin, the awesome friends I’ve made there and the support I get from my parents (they send me to and fro every time!). I also see how they structure the lessons and make it interesting for us. Plus, we get lots of exposure playing with local and international teams in matches. 

ActiveSG Circle: Which aspect(s) of the training session do you like the most?

Kayla: When we get to play games between ourselves. I thoroughly enjoy the company of my friends who are from all over Singapore. They’re so fun to be with! I appreciate how we can be so different and yet so united because we share the same goal and purpose over basketball. 

ActiveSG Circle: How has playing basketball helped you in school?

Kayla: The values I’m learning in basketball have been of great help in my approach to studies. Hard work, perseverance, positivity, humility, willingness to listen and openness to learn are some of the traits that have benefitted me a great deal. Playing basketball has also helped me to release stress when I experience pressure from studying. It is therapy for me!  

ActiveSG Circle: Who is your basketball role model(s) (local and/or foreign)? Why?

Kayla: (Star point guard for NBA side Golden State Warriors) Steph Curry. He is so accurate in his shots and never gives up no matter what happens. He also tries his best in what he does!

ActiveSG Circle: What are your ambitions as a basketball player?

Kayla: To become a more accurate and consistent shooter and see an improved version of myself contributing to more team events when the doors open.

If you're interested in finding out about our ActiveSG Basketball Academy and its offerings, check them out here

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