Fil-American guard Amyah Espanol is using the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament to ease her transition to Far Eastern University ahead of the next UAAP season.
The 5-foot-7 do-it-all guard joined the Lady Tamaraws last year after playing her freshman season at Davenport University in the US NCAA Division II, turning down an offer from University of Santo Tomas to play under Raiza Palmera-Dy.
After serving her residency during UAAP Season 87, Espanol is finally eligible to suit up for FEU in Season 88. She has since taken on a key role in the Lady Tamaraws’ campaign in the WMPBL, where they currently hold a 2-3 record.
Having spent the past season watching from the sidelines, Espanol is eager to finally step on the court alongside her teammates, building the chemistry and connections they’ll need for the upcoming UAAP season.
(C) WMPBL Images
“It’s helping a lot because we didn’t get to play much together while they were in-season last year, so you know, we’re learning how each other plays. It really helps our chemistry playing against more experienced teams here,” said Espanol.
A product of Renaissance High School, Espanol admitted she is still adjusting to the style of play in the Philippines but feels she is adapting well and will eventually thrive in the fast-paced and physical game.
“It’s a lot different, but I think it’s better for my kind of game to play in the Philippines. It’s more ball movement, I really like the system we have at FEU,” she said.
Espanol appears to be finding her rhythm in the WMPBL, where she is currently averaging 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.75 assists through FEU’s first four games.
She also expressed excitement about contributing to what Palmera-Dy and the Lady Tamaraws are building for the UAAP, adding that she fully believes in her coach’s vision.
FEU is aiming to climb out of the cellar when the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament tips off later this year, after finishing second to last in Season 87 with a 3-11 record.
“FEU has a really good program and coaching. I really believe in coach Rai (Palmera-Dy) and what she’s trying to do, so I came here to help out,” Espanol said.
