Educators at BASIS International School Bangkok are encouraged to bring their passions and ideas to life in ways that create lasting impact for students and the wider school community. For Ryan Day, that vision led to the creation of the TUSKERS Table Tennis Academy, a program that has quickly grown into a competitive and community-driven athletics initiative focused on student growth both on and off the table.
A Passion for Athletics and Student Development
My background is rooted in athletics, with extensive experience competing professionally in both soccer and table tennis. I am an Army veteran, hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University, and began competing in table tennis in 2020. Prior to moving to Thailand, I was a sponsored athlete in the United States and worked with Major League Table Tennis. Sports have always been a major part of my life, and I’ve been fortunate to combine my passion for athletics, teaching, and mentoring students in my current role at BASIS International School Bangkok.
Creating the TUSKERS Table Tennis Academy
What has made teaching athletics at BASIS International School Bangkok different from my previous experiences is the level of support and the emphasis on innovation. BASIS International School Bangkok has provided me with the freedom and encouragement to build something truly special from the ground up. With the support of my leadership team, I was able to create the TUSKERS Table Tennis Academy, a structured program designed to help students of all levels develop technical skills, confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of the sport.
The academy has grown far beyond traditional after-school practices. I have developed a comprehensive and competitive program, hosted sanctioned tournaments, organized family and community events, and established a sponsorship with STIGA, a leading table tennis brand. One of the most exciting developments has been the creation of the Thailand Table Tennis League (TTTL), which provides students throughout Thailand with meaningful opportunities to compete and grow. To support this initiative, I also developed the Table Tennis Rating System (TTRS), a standardized ranking system that tracks player performance and offers students clear benchmarks for progress and achievement.
Collaboration Across the School Community
Collaboration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of working at BASIS International School Bangkok. I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with administrators, teachers, and staff across many departments. Whether coordinating tournaments, planning community events, or integrating athletics into the broader school culture, there is a strong sense of teamwork and shared commitment to student success.
Helping Students Grow Through Competition
The impact on students has been incredibly rewarding to witness. I have seen students gain confidence, improve their focus, learn to handle both success and adversity, and develop resilience through competition. Table tennis is also an intensely strategic and mentally demanding sport that requires critical thinking, pattern recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving under pressure. In many ways, these are the same cognitive skills that students use every day in BASIS International School Bangkok classrooms, making the sport a natural complement to the school’s rigorous academic environment.
Many of our athletes competed in their first tournament this year and watching them grow both as players and as young people has been one of the highlights of my career. To support students who are eager to improve even further, I also offer optional Friday morning practices at 6:30 a.m., which are not included with their regular program. A small group of dedicated students attends these sessions consistently each week, and their willingness to arrive early and put in extra effort is truly inspiring.
What I enjoy most about teaching at BASIS International School Bangkok is the opportunity to think big. If you have a vision and are willing to put in the work, BASIS International School Bangkok provides the support needed to turn ideas into reality. The school encourages creativity, high standards, and meaningful experiences for students, which has allowed me to build a program that I believe will have a lasting impact on our community, and I am just getting started.
At its core, the TUSKERS Table Tennis Academy is about much more than table tennis. It is about helping students develop character, resilience, sportsmanship, and confidence – qualities that will serve them well both in school and throughout life.
Ryan Day
Head Coach, BASIS Table Tennis Academy
BASIS International School Bangkok
Conclusion
For teachers looking to make a meaningful impact while continuing to grow professionally, BASIS International School Bangkok provides an environment where creativity, collaboration, and innovation are genuinely encouraged. The growth of the TUSKERS Table Tennis Academy reflects the culture of innovation and support. Whether through academics, athletics, the arts, or leadership initiatives, educators are given the resources and support to turn their passions into opportunities.
Visit our careers website for more information about teaching with BASIS International Schools.
Watch the recording of our live webinar about teaching at BASIS International School Bangkok on our YouTube channel.
