Ace libero Dawn Macandili will miss the National Team’s two-week training camp in Japan from August 5 to 16 to finish her remaining undergraduate requirements at the De La Salle University.
In her last term of the school’s AB Psychology program, the 5-foot defensive specialist needs to finish requirements for on-the-job training and defend her thesis, which delves into the motivation and coping mechanisms of para-atheletes.
Macandili would have been available for the training camp, but the torrential rains from the past two weeks that caused class cancellations in Metro Manila made the Taft-based university implement make-up classes.
“Kasi last term ko na to sa undergrad studies. May mga subject ako na ‘di ko maiwan kasi na-extend ‘yung term dahil sa bagyo,” the 22-year-old shared.
“Marami pa akong requirements na kailangan tapusin – especially ‘yung thesis ko. May defense pa ako and may project pa ako sa OJT.
“Matatapos ‘yung term dapat nitong August 17 na ‘yung last day, na-extend ‘yung term hanggang 22. Papakiusapan ko ‘yung mga prof ko na hanggang 17 na lang ako para makahabol sa Asian Games,” added the 2016 PSL All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player.
Knowing that she is the only libero in the official lineup for the Asian Games, Macandili deeply contemplated prioritizing her duties with the country over her studies.
“Sobrang torn ako na may point last month na gusto kong iwan na lang lahat para sumama sa team, sa Japan.
“But then, kumuha ako ng advice from a lot of people and they told me na nandiyan lang naman ‘yung National team,” said the 2017 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship Second Best Libero. “If I leave my academics, mage-extend pa ako ng isang term, so sayang ‘yung time na magsasabay nanaman ko ng academics and volleyball. Better na tapusin ko na para makapag-focus na ako sa volleyball.”
Still, the current F2 Logistics Cargo Mover remains steadfast in her connection with her teammates.
“Siguro, confident naman ako na makaka-adjust ako kasi nakasama ko na sila last year. Siguro titignan natin kung ano mangyayare.”
