Ateneo stalwarts Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag didn’t know how they were “handpicked” for the 25-woman National Team pool.
Despite initial reports, both Madayag and Tolentino did not receive an invitation for the special collegiate tryouts held last Sunday at the gymnasium of the Arellano University Law School. Both were also not contacted by any of the National Team officials.
“I was surprised because me and Kat didn’t really now we were part of the selection.
“We were surprised na biglang there was an article out na we are part of the pool. Sobrang nagulat ako so ganun,” the 6-foot-1 Madayag said.
“Yeah, I was super shocked, just because I guess I’m focused on the UAAP. I didn’t really think that was an option for me yet, because I’m just starting still,” the 6-foot-2 Tolentino added.
“I didn’t try out. I was [playing] in the UAAP, and I didn’t really know about the whole thing. I don’t really know how it works, to be honest I really don’t know how I got picked.”
The pair admitted that they have yet to think about the National Team and the training, as the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles are still campaigning to bring the UAAP championship back to Katipunan.
“UAAP pa so I’m not really sure. I’m thinking about it but then, we want to finish this season first before thinking about what’s next,” Madayag pointed out.
“It depends. Depende sa priorities kasi may klases din kami, I mean may intercession.”