Uncovering Kingsley Tay’s Volleyball Journey and the Vision Behind Revolvve Volleyball Academy
- John Yeong
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
Co-founder of Revolvve Volleyball Academy and four-Time SEA Games athlete Kingsley Tay looks to build the next generation of volleyball athletes in Singapore
This is a feature article written by SportPlus.sg for Kallang Alive Sports Management. For more sports events, programmes and human stories of Singapore Sports Hub, visit the Singapore Sports Hub's 'Here to Play' website.
Four-time SEA Games athlete Kingsley Tay shares his evolution from national volleyball player to co-founder of Revolvve Volleyball Academy — and how he's building the future of Singapore volleyball through youth development, passion, and resilience.
From National Glory to Grassroots Growth: Kingsley Tay’s Mission to Elevate Singapore Volleyball
When it comes to Singapore volleyball, few names carry the same weight as Kingsley Tay. A four-time SEA Games athlete who has represented Singapore in both indoor and beach volleyball, Tay has not only stood on some of the region’s biggest competitive stages, but today, he’s channelling that experience into something even more lasting: developing the next generation of players through Revolvve Volleyball Academy, which he co-founded.
In an exclusive interview, Kingsley Tay opens up about his journey — from donning the national jersey to shaping the grassroots scene — and how he’s applying hard-earned lessons to elevate the sport at every level.
A Decade of SEA Games Experience: Lessons That Transcend the Court
Competing in four SEA Games is no small feat. For Kingsley, each edition brought a unique chapter of growth.
“At the start, I didn’t know what to expect. But over time, I gained more composure,” he recalls. “In the later editions, my consistency improved, though injuries became more frequent. Still, I enjoyed every moment.”
The 2019 SEA Games, where Singapore narrowly missed a podium finish in beach volleyball, stands out for a different reason.
“We lost the bronze medal match after my partner cramped up,” Tay explains. “That moment taught me how crucial physical conditioning is — especially in beach volleyball. It really drove home the need for consistent training and preparation.”
Transitioning From Athlete to Coach: A Natural Evolution
While many athletes struggle with life after competition, Kingsley’s transition felt almost inevitable.
“In university, I was more of a full-time athlete than a student,” he jokes. “I was already coaching on the side, and when I graduated, it was clear that coaching was what I loved.”
That passion evolved into Revolvve Volleyball Academy, a space where Tay and his team nurture athletes across all levels — from those playing for fitness and fun, to others eyeing high-performance competition.
The Philosophy Behind Revolvve: Resilience, Teamwork, and Growth
At the core of Revolvve’s coaching philosophy are three key values: resilience, teamwork, and a growth mindset. For Kingsley, these aren’t just buzzwords — they’re principles rooted in his own career.
“We start by making sure kids enjoy the sport,” he says. “Only when they love it can we guide them towards performance.”
Understanding that every athlete has different goals, the academy tailors its programs accordingly — a crucial element in keeping youth athletes engaged and motivated.
Partnering for the Future: Grassroots Meets High Performance
As partners of both the Volleyball Association of Singapore and Singapore Sports Hub, Revolvve is actively working to bridge the gap between grassroots participation and elite-level competition.
“We don’t just run clinics,” Kingsley explains. “We also organise tournaments and workshops to give kids a taste of high-performance environments. Some might fall in love with the process and want to represent Singapore one day.”
This long-term athlete development model stands in contrast to more traditional, rigid structures — emphasising fun, inclusion, and scalability.
On the State of Volleyball in Singapore: Opportunities and Challenges
While volleyball is growing in popularity, challenges remain — especially when it comes to infrastructure.
“Beach courts at the Sports Hub are well-used, but indoor court availability doesn’t meet demand,” Tay notes. “Because of that, many groups switch to beach volleyball instead.”
This increasing demand, while a logistical challenge, is also a clear signal: volleyball’s popularity in Singapore is rising — and there’s room for more investment and support.
What’s Next for Kingsley Tay?
Still in the early years of his coaching career, Kingsley is focusing on building a strong foundation for the future.
“This is my third year coaching. I’m not thinking too far ahead,” he says humbly. “But I hope the players I work with feel inspired, and that they enjoy the sport as much as I do.”
Whether it's through his daily sessions at schools or weekend clinics at Revolvve, Kingsley Tay is doing far more than just teaching volleyball — he’s building a culture that blends passion with purpose.
A Legacy Beyond Medals
Kingsley Tay may have already made his mark on the court, but his greatest impact could be yet to come. Through Revolvve Volleyball Academy, he’s fostering a new wave of Singaporean athletes — equipped not just with skills, but with the mindset and love for the game that sustained his own career.
For aspiring players and volleyball fans alike, Tay’s story is a reminder that the path to greatness isn’t just about medals — it’s about resilience, community, and creating space for others to thrive.
Sign up for beach volleyball classes with Kingsley and Revolvve Volleyball Academy at the Singapore Sports Hub here today. #Volleyball #mySgSportsHub