SOME graduating Thomasian athletes will continue the athletics path, while some will opt to conquer unfamiliar territories and pursue day jobs.
For Female Tigershark Angelic Saavedra, it is time to conclude her swimming career and look for another path.
Saavedra, a consistent medalist for the Female Tigersharks, said she would focus on finding a job related to her program, legal management.
She said becoming a professional player is not yet in her plans as she wants to help her family after graduation.
“UST molded me to be the person I am now and as much as I want to continue playing, I want to apply for a job first because I want to be able to help and give back all the hardwork of my parents. I want to pursue something different, something unique, other than swimming,” she told the Varsitarian.
Five-time UAAP women’s judo champion Kimberly Pantoja said she would dedicate her time reviewing for the August 2019 mechanical engineer licensure exam.
“I really want to make my parents proud kasiI will be the first Engineer safamily namin, if ever. I want to let other people know about my skills, not only in judo, but also sa career na gusto ko,” she said.
Former UAAP taekwondo Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Aries Capispisan will likewise review for the mechanical engineering boards, while also considering taking a master’s degree.
“I would like to focus on the boards kasisure right after that, opportunities will come. Even if I want to continue playing, my body says otherwise due to my injuries. I think it’s time for me to explore other boundaries,” he said.
Simultaneous tasks will not be a problem for Capispisan since his stint as a student-athlete taught him the value of time management.
“The University taught me to be resilient, especially when our team was not able to achieve the results we wanted. I expect myself to be the same goal-oriented person that I am now,” he added.
Outgoing Salinggawi team captain Alexander Guevarra said he would look for work opportunities in the digital marketing industry after finishing a degree in communication arts.
“UST helped me beyond the scholarship and the benefits kasi it helped me hone my skills I did not even know I had, especially in terms of leadership, he said.
Despite the Salinggawi failing to reach the podium this season, Guevarra is confident that the team will find redemption next year.
Meanwhile, Season 80 UAAP Best First Baseman Alwen Calbang aims to work as a fitness trainer after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sports and wellness management.
“Five years akong nasa UST and ‘yon ang nag-mold sa akin para maging matatag paglabas ko. Excited ako kasi ready na akong harapin ‘yong challenges ng buhay and ma-conquer lahat ‘yon,” he said.
After failing to defend their crown this year, Season 80 women’s lawn tennis champion Ingrid Gonzales said her next target is pursuing a coaching career.
“Malaking tulong ‘yong mga values na tinuro sa akin ng UST kasi tumatak talaga sa akin lahat ‘yon, lalo na ‘yong pagiging committed. Laging sinasabi sa akin ng mga coaches ko na in order for me to become successful, kailangan ko matuto mag-commit and ayon talaga ang nagpakatatag ng loob ko,” the sports and wellness management graduate said.
