A rising star in the football scene, CIS alumna Kyra Taylor has achieved extraordinary milestones in her sporting journey since our last interview in 2021. We recently reconnected with her to hear all about the latest chapters of her story, including her women’s national team debut, scholarship opportunity and plans for university.

A debut to remember

At just 15 years old, Kyra captained the Singapore U17 team, and soon went on to represent Singapore in U19 and U20 international tournaments. Her crowning moment came in summer 2024, when she made her debut for the Lionesses, the Singapore senior women's national football team.

“It's an indescribable feeling to have achieved my dream of representing Singapore at the international level. Being selected for the FIFA ‘A’ international match, playing against Macau, and scoring a goal on my debut in front of my family was a moment I'll cherish forever,” Kyra reflects.

A game-changing scholarship 

Kyra received the Unleash the Roar! (UTR) scholarship in 2023. She was one of five young athletes selected to study and train at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA—a top global sports school. There, she stepped out of her comfort zone and learnt to adapt to a new life abroad.

“Training at IMG was a game-changer. It was challenging to balance academics, football, and adjusting to life in the US, but it taught me resilience and time management. Winning the Florida State Cup with my team was a highlight. We were down 1-3, equalised just before the whistle, and then I scored a goal from outside the box in extra time, sealing our victory at 4-3.”

A strong mindset

Kyra emphasises the importance of mental preparation in her development as a player. “I’ve learned to reflect on past games through video analysis to identify areas where I could have made better decisions. Mentally rehearsing and visualising successful plays and passes has been key to boosting my confidence and on-field performance.”

She adds, “It’s clear that psychology is often underestimated in football. By cultivating a strong mindset, I've been able to overcome challenges and elevate my game to new heights.”

Looking Ahead

Kyra’s future plans reflect her passion for football and interest in psychology. Earlier this year, she accepted an offer to pursue her master’s in Psychology with honours at the University of St Andrews. Kyra is keen on exploring opportunities specifically within sports psychology.

“I’m excited to deepen my understanding in human behaviour and performance, and potentially work with athletes to enhance their mental game,” she says.

Reflecting on her journey

Kyra credits CIS for providing her a solid academic foundation from young. “CIS prepared me well with its rigorous IB programme. When I transitioned to the American High School Diploma at IMG, I was able to tackle new subjects like Forensic Science, American History, and Composition easily,” she shares.

She also mentioned how incredibly supportive the CIS community was of her move overseas. “From the principal to the university advisory team, even after graduating, they continued to guide and encourage me as I navigated the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application process.”

As Kyra prepares to embark on the next chapter at the University of St Andrews, she’s focussed on making a greater impact both on and off the field—advancing her football career while using her new expertise to uplift athletes just like her. With her eyes on the goal, she’s determined to return to Singapore as a Lioness.

Thank you, Kyra. Your story is a great example of how far passion, perseverance and opportunities can drive a young athlete to success. Go Huskies!