What’s next for these UST athletes?
Some exit the arch as champions, and while others are deprived of the elusive UAAP title, the University remains boastful of its products who will sure continue a long line of successful student-athletes who excelled in their respective fields.
Recently, a former Growling Tiger and a member of the dynastical 90s UST basketball team, Joel Villanueva, was elected as a member of the Senate. He may not have a lustrous professional basketball career but nonetheless managed to stand out in the field he chose.
Nothing less is expected from this year’s batch of graduating student-athletes.
Outgoing basketball stars, Kevin Ferrer and Ed Daquioag, are mostly likely to opt in for the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft with a high possibility of getting picked early.
Ferrer was tapped for the Gilas cadet pool and Daquioag managed to win a title in the PBA Development League.
Golden Tigress and architect-hopeful Jessey de Leon said she will play professional volleyball as long as she is given the chance to play and if her schedule for architecture fits the time.
Another volleyball standout and former UAAP Most Valuable Player, Mark Gil Alfafara, looks to continue a celebrated professional volleyball career as he currently plays for PLDT.
“Tuloy-tuloy pa din as long as kaya pa at nage-enjoy pa. Minsan lang naman na opportunity ‘yun na makapaglaro sa professional league, pero hindi ‘yun ‘yung pang-lifetime ko na career,” said Alfafara, a Commerce and Business Administration Major in Marketing Management graduate.
Meanwhile, Marketing Management major and one-time UAAP judo gold medalist, Kinjho Sueko, said she will return and use her last playing year while taking a master’s degree. With her help, the Lady Judokas has a chance to notch their third straight championship next season.
“They are offering full scholarship until I finish the degree. It is a great opportunity for me and I don’t want to miss that,” Sueko told the Varsitarian.
Fencer Angelo Ramos will also continue his stint with UST while taking up a master’s degree as he also aims to clinch a slot in the national team in hopes of competing in international tournaments.
Meanwhile, softbelles Arlyn Areglado and Kris Lacupa have different plans after graduation.
While Lacupa is considering a coaching career in Iloilo, Areglado said her playing days are over and “wants to have a permanent work.”
Golden Sox’ Arvin Plaza said he will continue playing baseball for it was the key to his education and advised the other student-athletes to “study well and do not slack off.”
Three-time gold medalist and last year’s track and field MVP Jila dela Rosa, on the other hand, will prioritize looking for a job while reviewing for the Licensure Exam for Teachers after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Major in Technology and Livelihood Education.
Her teammate, Jessa Fernandez, also has a degree in education and “would like to continue her career as a professional but would like to try a different chapter” in her life.
“I have learned so many values here in UST. Even if you are good or as superstar, you should always be a humble person despite your achievements,” said Fernandez.
