Joy Dacoron came to the Adamson University as a raw talent from Oslob, Cebu.
Seven years later, she leaves with a Masters Degree in Business and experience as a professor at the University, and as a solid middle blocker.
Dacoron spent her first two years in Team B, developing her skills and learning to use her physical gifts. She made the team in the UAAP Season 77 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, but spent most of her time on the bench.
It wasn’t until Season 79 under Air Padda that she got her first consistent spot in the starting lineup.
By Season 80, Dacoron had developed into one of the best middle blockers in the league.
Although Season 81 turned dismal for the Lady Falcons, Dacoron could not help but be thankful for the five years she spent with Adamson.
“Buhay ko na ‘yung Adamson. Nag-stay ako sa Adamson, so ‘yung Adamson is nasa blood ko na din,” said the 23-year-old Dacoron.
“Ayaw kong umalis din sa Adamson na hindi ko tinapos ‘yung career ko. Paalis na ako pero lagi din akong babalik kung saan ako nanggaling.”
Dacoron is taking her Doctorate at Adamson, and even taught undergraduate classes for a semester. As far as her next step goes, Dacoron is still contemplating whether to continue as a professional volleyball player or as a teacher.
“Passion ko rin ‘yung pagtuturo, so pinag-iisipan ko. Sinabi ko rin kay Coach Onyok (Getigan) na ‘Baka mag-stop ako coach, gusto ko tahakin muna yung for long-term na kung ano talaga yung passion na gusto ko.’ Kasi alam naman natin na volleyball is hindi talaga pang-forever,” the 5-foot-11 middle blocker shared.
“Pero sabi ni coach, andito ako ngayon sa peak ko. So ayun, kung merong opportunity or merong mago-offer, I’ll try to talk to them. Titimbangin ko kung saan papabor. Kung kayang i-balance, why not naman,” she continued.
“Nasa puso mo na rin ang pagiging volleyball player eh. Mahirap talaga, parang nakipag-break ka. Hindi ka pa ready.”