As a graduating student-athlete, Troy Estrella had a lot on his plate heading into another UAAP Judo Championship.
For the 22-year-old, however, it all came down to good old-fashioned time management and making the most of every opportunity to prepare for battle.
“Kasi minsan may pasok ako dahil nga may thesis, may research, so hindi ako tumutugma sa training time namin sa (UST judo team). Pero nakakapag-training ako sa sambo national team natin. May mga extra training ako sa sambo, do’n ako nagbabawi. So, kung hindi ako makapag-training with UST, sa national team ako nagte-train,” Estrella shared.
Balancing school, sports, and life was no easy feat, but the UST lifer embraced the sacrifices that came with it. In fact, he even set aside time with his loved ones to focus on his goals.
“Nag-sacrifice ako ng mga araw para sa training, nag-sacrifice ako ng araw para sa school. Ako rin kasi ‘yung tipo ng tao na mahilig makipag-socialize sa mga friends, pero sinacrifice ko lahat ‘yon para ma-achieve ‘yung goal na ‘to,” said the Sports Management major, who is the partner of two-time UAAP best libero Bernadett Pepito.
All of this, Estrella endured for one purpose—to bring the crown back to España for his seniors and the rest of the UST Judo family.
As Napoleon Hill famously said, “Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.” Estrella’s journey proved no exception to this truth.
The 2023 Open Sambo Korea Championships silver medalist showed that hard work pays off, as his three victories during the season contributed to the Tiger Judokas’ 15th UAAP title. His efforts also earned him his first-ever MVP award.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Yung MVP award, happy ako na nabigyan ako ng ganitong award pero add-on na lang ‘to, extra na ‘to for me. Ang main goal ko kasi is mag-champion talaga kami and makatulong ako sa team, and do’n ako masaya.
“Pero makakatulong siya (MVP award) ng sobra kasi hindi lahat ng tao nakakakuha ng award na ganito ‘eh. Talagang nakukuha mo ‘tong award na ‘to eh dahil sa hard work. Kung hindi ka maghihirap, hindi mo makukuha ‘yung mga ganitong bagay, so very thankful ako,” said Estrella, another Tiger Judoka celebrated as the top performer of the competition.
While Estrella’s participation in UST’s title defense next season remains uncertain, one thing is clear—for now, it’s time to rest, recharge, and prepare for what comes next.
