Quite literally, Chloe Cortez did it all for UST.
The 21-year old never had any qualms about position or playing time. She did everything her coach’s asked.
Although her collegiate career ended without much fanfare, Cortez walked away from the UAAP last Saturday proudly singing the University of Santo Tomas Hymn in her sweat-soaked, golden jersey.
This was always the dream for Cortez.
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Most volleyball fans know Cortez for her weird attack approach and effervescent on-court persona, which she easily translates off the court and in social media.
Her playing career, however, did not start off in blazing fashion. She had to ply her trade in UST’s Team B while her batchmates debuted in UAAP Season 74.
Cortez got called up to Team A in the following season but found little playing time. This would became a trend in Cortez’s career. She began developing a reputation as UST’s spark plug. In her initial years, Cortez was used as a substitute wing hitter. She then began playing middle hitter in Season 78 following orders from new head coach Kungfu Reyes.
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Success finally came for the Golden Tigresses and Cortez in Season 79. After four years of unrealized potential, UST finally made the Final Four. Cortez also found a consistent spot in Coach Reyes’ extended rotation.
Facing the defending champs De La Salle University in the semis, UST were the definite underdogs. But that did not stop Cortez from thinking of playing another match past Saturday.
“Hindi ko inisip na huling laro ko ‘to. Siyempre inisip ko na may mga next games pa kami. Hindi ko talaga alam ‘yung ie-expect,” she recalled.
But when the ball fell for the final point of Cortez’s career, she could not stop the overwhelming stream of emotions.
“Kanina ‘di pa masyadong nagsi-sink in sa akin until nag-last point na at di ko na napigulan magluha. Overwhelming talaga ‘yung experience kasi mula first year hanggang fifth year, iba-iba talaga ‘yung naranasan ko. Roller-coaster ride talaga,” the 5-foot-11 spiker said.
After successfully defending her thesis within the same week, Cortez is set to finish her degree in Political Science.
This, along with her stint as a Golden Tigress, was always the dream.
“‘Yung mindset ko na lang is basta makalaro ako kahit anong ipagawa sa akin, happy na ako. Sobrang saya ko na nakalaro ako sa school na gusto ko,” Cortez expressed.
“Wala akong ibang school na kinuhaan ng entrance exam. UST lang.”
As for the Golden Tigresses’ future, Cortez is looking forward to becoming a part of the UST faithful that flocks each game.
“Ngayon malungkot pa talaga kasi kakatapos lang. Pero for sure manonood ng games ng UST sa future,” she closed.
“Looking forward to becoming a fan again and watching ‘yung mga natira sa team. I’m sure kaya pa nila higitan ‘yung naabot namin ngayon.”
