Lions Volleyball Academy

About Our Program

SAIS is thrilled to announce the launch of the Lions Volleyball Academy (LVA), a testament to the growing enthusiasm for volleyball at Stamford. Recognizing this trend, we’re offering students a unique opportunity to engage with volleyball year round, from August to June.

Heading this exciting initiative is 19U and 14U Volleyball Coach, Mr. Martin Koenen, with over 35 years of coaching experience. With recent triumphs with the U19 and U14 girls’ teams, his leadership with the Lions Volleyball Academy will be great for the program. Mr. Martin will collaborate with other experienced volleyball coaches to develop a curriculum that aligns seamlessly with SAIS’ vision and mission, ensuring a holistic and enriching experience for every participant.

The Lions Volleyball Academy is open to all Middle School (MS) and High School (HS) students, offering flexible scheduling options of one or two sessions per week. Sessions on Wednesday evenings (7pm-8pm or 8pm-9pm) and Saturday afternoons (3.30pm-4.30pm or 4.30pm-5.30pm) provide convenient opportunities for students to hone and develop their skills.

Stamford’s Lions Volleyball Academy (LVA) strives to promote volleyball at SAIS and to create and unique volleyball community. It is open for all students of MS and HS regardless of level, abilty or experience. However LVA will try to create training groups of the same volleyball level, which will help the development and enjoyment of our young athletes.

The Coaching Team

Martin Koenen

Heading the academy is the current 19U and 14U girls Volleyball Coach, Mr. Martin Koenen. With over 35 years of coaching experience and with the recent success by the U19 and U14 girls’ teams, his leadership with the Lions Volleyball Academy will be great for the program.

Samuel Wong

Samuel continues to be active organising, coaching and playing Volleyball. He played during his college and University days and started his own team to compete locally. At age 33, he decided to move to a new phase, he took up coaching course. From 2003, he has been coaching junior and adults (men/women) competitive teams. Those teams competes locally and overseas. Samuel is looking forward to being a part of Lions Volleyball Academy family and take on new adventure to work with young athletes.

Neville McKenzie

With 71 caps for the England Men’s volleyball team and experience representing England at the U21 level and as part of the GB Students squad, Neville McKenzie is a respected figure in English volleyball. He has coached, junior boys’, women’s national league teams, as well as a period in the role of player coach for his national league division one team, instilling a culture of growth and teamwork. His expertise and commitment make him a pivotal force in shaping the trajectory of volleyball talent.

Vanessa Betge

Vanessa Betge has lived in Singapore with her family for two years. She is originally from Germany where she used to play Volleyball from age 10. During her time in university she coached girls and womens teams that were competing in the league. Vanessa is excited to support the Lions Volleyball Academy and pass on her passion for Volleyball.

Aisha Cunningham-Burley

Aisha, has been an outstanding captain of the U19 varsity volleyball team for years. She loves to share her experience to younger players, therefore she will be our assistant-coach. She will be helping to inspire young athletes to be become confident leaders and pass on her knowledige and passion for Volleyball

Fabian Ong

Fabian is a devoted volleyball coach recognized for his unwavering dedication to player development and overall growth. With a strong emphasis on honing skills and comprehending the game, he has guided countless players across various ages and proficiency levels to achieve their aspirations.

His main goal is to cultivate strong volleyball skills within his coaching groups and offer mentorship to newcomers interested in the sport. Fabian strives to inspire enthusiastic and self-motivated players, instilling in them the fundamental values of discipline and teamwork.