After years of representing the green and white, Ima Navarro donned a De La Salle Zobel jersey for the final time last Sunday.
There were no tears, only smiles.
“I’m really happy, but most of all, I’m proud of my team,” said Navarro moments after the Junior Lady Archers’ 100-47 win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles, a victory that clinched them bronze in the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Basketball Tournament.
“Compared to last year, we had a much better run this season, and everyone trusted each other.”
Throughout her life, Navarro had one goal — to represent DLSZ well both on and off the court.
In school, she was a consistent honors student. Navarro also represented the country when she was called up to Gilas Pilipinas Girls during the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship in 2023.
“Ima is not only our team captain and a Gilas player but also an honor student,” expressed Junior Lady Archers head coach Louie Fernandez.
“Overall, I’m very happy because most of the players share Ima’s level of dedication.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In her final UAAP year in the high school ranks, Navarro averaged 13.93 points, 8.17 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. She also led DLSZ to the WNCAA title.
“Since grade school, actually since kindergarten, I’ve been in La Salle’s grassroots program, so I’ve seen the program grow and improve a lot,” shared the 18-year-old Navarro, who is graduating alongside Hazell Winar and Irish Notarte.
“I’m happy to see women’s basketball becoming more popular and the team becoming more focused. I believe that someday, our team will not only reach the podium but also win a championship.”
Navarro hopes her underclassmen will continue what she started, seeing the likes of Apyang Dulay and Ching Ching Gales as the next in line for DLSZ.
Now, Navarro will chart a new path in college. Whether she stays in green, turns blue, or wears another color, one thing is certain: she will continue to watch over and guide DLSZ.
“Even if I’m no longer on the team, I hope I’ve done my role well. I want them to keep improving, stay composed, and, since I’m not captain anymore, I hope someone will step up and maybe even surpass me,” said Navarro.
“Most importantly, I hope they stay united through hardships.”
