It’s been five years since the batch of Camille Clarin, Angel Surada, and Ann Pingol joined and played for National University.
During that time, they’ve racked up multiple UAAP titles in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball.
Now, Clarin and her batchmates are no longer the new kids on the block – they are now the leaders of the pack.
“My seniors were Jack (Animam), Monique (Del Carmen), and Kaye (Pingol),” said Clarin, the 23-year-old Filipino-Canadian guard who’s now the face of NU’s program. “It was one of the most powerful senior classes in the UAAP. We also had Kelli Hayes. We had everyone.
“As rookies, we just came to the game and had fun because we knew our seniors were super strong.”
Now, with a new set of talented freshmen led by Cielo Pagdulagan, Nicole Pring, and Marga Villanueva, Clarin sees things from a different perspective. It has grounded her and made her appreciate what her former seniors did.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I think it’s a reality check now that we’re seniors. It’s crazy to think it’s been five years already. It really shows us how much responsibility they carried into every game, and how much time and effort it takes to lead a team,” the 5-foot-10 guard reflected.
“We feel the weight of it, but we’re super excited to step into that role. Not a lot of us had that responsibility before, so it’s exciting to step up.”
In their UAAP Season 87 opener, Clarin led the charge with 16 points and six rebounds, guiding NU to a 64-49 win over De La Salle University.
Pagdulagan contributed off the bench, adding 11 points and four rebounds to the victory.
If there’s one crucial lesson Clarin learned from her seniors, it’s to keep the rookies grounded – preparing them to one day fill the same leadership role when it’s their turn.
“I keep telling them: ‘Talent alone won’t get you anywhere in the UAAP.’ They need to mature and fully integrate into the program. No matter how much of a star they were in high school, they have to embrace their role here,” Clarin emphasized.
“College is a different ball game, but they’re super willing to learn. That’s all we need from them.”
