University of the Philippines standouts Steph Bustrillo and Abi Goc are heading to the PVL Rookie Draft armed with valuable advice from their college coach, Oliver Almadro.
Almadro, a seasoned coach in the PVL, guided Bustrillo and Goc during their final year in the UAAP and made sure to impart wise words to his veteran players that they can carry with them on their journey to becoming professional volleyball players.
“Palagi po kasing sinasabi ni Coach O na see the good in everything. Naa-apply din po namin siya hindi lang sa court, pati po sa real life namin na kahit maraming problems at challenges sa buhay, nakikita pa rin namin po kung para saan po yun,” said Bustrillo.
Both players are seeking a fresh start in the PVL following a disappointing end to their UAAP careers, where the Fighting Maroons finished last with a 1-13 standing.
(C) PVL Images
“For me, as he always says, see the good in everything. This is a good challenge, mag-enjoy lang throughout the journey, which is [a] fresh start as well,” echoed Goc.
Goc and Bustrillo are two of the three PVL Draft hopefuls from UP, alongside their long-time teammate Jewel Encarnacion. All three players are aiming to secure a roster spot in the inaugural event on July 8 at Novotel.
The 24-year-old outside hitter mentioned that having her college teammates Bustrillo and Encarnacion by her side at the PVL Draft Combine has been beneficial as she navigates through the professional ranks.
“Syempre proud din po sa isa’t isa kasi sinasabi nga namin Day 1 done, we should focus more on tomorrow sa second day. Talagang yun yung maganda na galing kayo sa isang school na magkakakilala kayo so you can motivate one another,” said Goc.
The 5-foot-9 opposite spiker from Cebu expressed similar sentiments to Goc, noting how pleased she feels to have shared this journey with familiar faces whom she has spent the past few years with.
“Sobrang nakakatuwa lang din po na after nga ng UAAP days namin na tapos na kami doon, nakakatuwa na makita naman na sa PVL naman po,” said Bustrillo.
