Through a decade with National University, Bella Belen’s UAAP career has been nothing short of decorated and illustrious.
From her time in the girls’ division, Belen has collected four championships and one runner-up finish, along with two MVP honors and a Best Outside Hitter award.
In the collegiate ranks, she added two more titles, two Best Outside Hitter recognitions, and the rare distinction of being the league’s inaugural Rookie-MVP.
But for Belen, her most meaningful achievement as a student-athlete came not on the Taraflex — but beyond it.
Two days before the Lady Bulldogs opened their Finals campaign, Belen finally graduated with a degree in Psychology last Friday, May 9, during the commencement exercises held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.
She marched alongside fellow graduating seniors Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan, the team’s middle blocker tandem.
“Siguro sa pinaka-top kasi hindi siya biro at hindi siya madali. Lalo’t na ngayon, competitive na lahat ng teams.
“Every season, tumataas yung pagiging competitive ng bawat teams kasi yung level ng difficulty ng paglalaro ng volleyball, tumataas na rin,” Belen told reporters after delivering 19 points, 15 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions in NU’s Game 1 win over La Salle in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“I’m very happy kasi yung diploma, hindi siya biro sa isang estudyante. Siyempre, isa rin ‘yon sa mga gusto naming estudyante na makuha kasi hindi siya madali. Kahit may mga tao na [nagsasabing] porket student-athlete ganyan, na nakapasa lang kami dahil student-athlete lang kami, pero nag-aaral din kami at nagpupuyat. Kaya I’m very happy kasi finally nakakuha na ako ng diploma from NU,” the 22-year-old outside hitter added.
(C) Julius Domondon/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
There’s long been a misconception that athletes can’t excel in academics the way they do in their sports.
But by leading the Lady Bulldogs through a competitive era in UAAP women’s volleyball while earning her Psychology degree, Belen continues to break that stereotype.
Her journey proves that being a champion isn’t limited to the court.
To fellow student-athletes, Belen emphasized the importance of discipline and prioritization to strike a balance between academics and athletics.
“Hindi siya imposible na kahit na student-athlete ka na busy yung training schedule and at the same time may classes, talagang kailangan lang sumikap at kailangan marunong din sa time management, at siyempre set your priorities din para balang araw maka-graduate rin sila,” she shared.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Belen also reflected on how her academic background in Psychology — a four-year program at NU that provides a scientific understanding of human behavior — has shaped her leadership this season, especially through the team’s tough title defense.
“Siguro dahil kilala ko na rin sila as a player and as a normal person. Alam ko kung paano ko sila ia-approach kapag down sila or kapag wala sila sa mood maglaro. I know kung ano yung way kung paano ko sila kakausapin, if pagalit ba or ganyan kasi magkakaiba yung mga atleta. Kunwari, ako gusto ko malumanay lang, yung isa naman, gusto na pinupush mo ako,” she explained.
Her psychological insight was on full display in Game 1 against La Salle. After NU stumbled in the third set, Belen quickly regrouped her teammates to steer them back on track, moving the Lady Bulldogs one win away from their third UAAP title in four years.
“Kaya malaking bagay din na nakatapos ako ng Psychology kasi nahhelp niya ako in a way kung paano ako mag-isip sa loob ng court,” she shared.
“Kunwari kapag dikit ang laban, hindi ako kailangan ma-rattle. Parang meron lagi solusyon sa mga problema, kumbaga yung way of thinking ko is positive lang lagi.”
#WATCH: Bella Belen proves that being a champion on and off the court is possible! 🏐
Beyond her UAAP accolades, she’s most proud of earning her BS Psychology degree from NU last Friday 🎓
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/67yFZ3y6Tz
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 11, 2025
