The last time Rachel Ann Daquis had been in the public eye was midway through RC Cola-Army’s PSL All-Filipino Conference run. The 28-year-old hd hobbled out of the humid La Salle Lipa Arena after aggravating a heel injury that ended up keeping her out for the rest of the conference.
Drenched in sweat in the steaming Arellano University Gym on Friday morning, Daquis was a picture of exuberance, going through drills with her PSL All-Stars teammates.
After all, it had been doubtful that she would be available for the FIVB Women’s Club World Championships. Through her signature hard work and will, Daquis made it just in time to be named the team captain of the squad that consists of the Magnificent 7 locals and eight foreign reinforcements.
“Totally healed na siya (heel injury). Pero noong Monday lang talaga ako nag-start ng 100 percent ball training. May kaunting feeling na bugbog pa ‘rin siya kasi kakagamit mo lang ulet pero makakabalik din agad ‘yan,” the 2015 PSL AFC MVP told Tiebreaker Times.
Admittedly, her injury hadn’t been too serious.
“Mas sinipagan ko ‘yung parang strengthening. Para maka-abot. Hindi ‘rin naman naging ganoong ka-severe ‘yung injury,” Daquis recalled.
But that doesn’t mean the FEU legend didn’t need to overcome mental hurdles. Faced with the possibility of missing out on a once-in-lifetime opportunity, Daquis worked her tail off.
“Kahit na injured ako, hindi naman ako nag-rest. Hindi dahil na-injure ako hahayaan ko mawala ‘yung pag-asa ko na makapaglaro and ‘yung dream ko na makapaglaro para sa World Club Championship,” the decorated National Team mainstay confessed.
“Hindi ako nag-rest. Nag-double time ako, nag-work out ako, tinulungan ako ng mga strengthening coach kasi gusto nga nila ako makapagalaro and nakita nila ‘yung potential so happy naman ako.”
Stacked with the privilege of leading the squad, Daquis feels doubly-blessed.
“Sobrang sarap sa feeling na may trust sa akin ‘yung coaches and PSL officials. I really can’t thank everyone enough and I’ll do my best not to let them down,” Daquis closed.
