By: Nicole Parallag
CAPAS, TARLAC – For most athletes, crossing leagues is a test of courage.
For National University’s Dominic Woodard, a former NCAA Season 100 gold medalist for Jose Rizal University in the discus throw with a personal best of 43.13 meters, the move to the UAAP was more than a change of scenery — it was a step toward growth.
“I decided to pursue my career in athletics in the UAAP because I wanted to sail new waters,” he shared.
“I wanted to be exposed to a different league, a different caliber of competition — and the UAAP gave me that.”
Now proudly wearing the gold and blue, the 24-year-old Fil-American athlete finds himself among the best of the best.
The shift between leagues has been humbling.
“It’s been hard, to be honest,” he admitted. “I have to manage my time very carefully.
“Aside from being an athlete, I’m also working, studying for my master’s degree in Physical Education and Sports, taking teaching units required for the LET exam — and I’m a father now. I have a six-month-old baby girl.”
Fatherhood, he says, changed everything.
The sleepless nights and tight schedules only deepened his sense of purpose.
“My baby is definitely one of my biggest motivations. She’s the reason I’m trying so hard to be where I am right now.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Balancing these responsibilities hasn’t been easy, especially with the level of competition he faces.
Among his fiercest rivals is Ateneo de Manila’s Russel Ricaforte, a fellow discus thrower who recently set a new national record on August 2, 2025, at the PATAFA Weekly Relays with an impressive throw of 54.14 meters.
Like Woodard, Ricaforte also transitioned from the NCAA — where he represented the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta — to the UAAP.
Their rivalry has now found new ground in a bigger arena.
“I’m excited to face him again in the UAAP,” Woodard shared.
“New territory, new possibilities — only God knows what’s ahead. What’s important is that we never lose faith.”
Both athletes are set to compete in the men’s discus throw on Sunday, 2:00 PM at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here, marking Woodard’s official UAAP debut against a familiar foe.
“Every year, your competitors develop, too,” he reflected. “You can’t stay still — you have to keep growing. It’s been very hard, but the challenges have helped shape my mindset, my behavior, and my discipline.”
Despite the hurdles, Woodard believes he’s still growing.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” he said.
“But I can say that right now, I’m exactly where I need to be — learning, competing, and becoming someone, my daughter can be proud of.”
