By: Nicole Parallag
Leadership is no easy feat, especially when it involves juggling multiple responsibilities.
But for Far Eastern University’s Dionesa Tolentin, balancing her roles both on and off the field has become second nature.
For the third time, the Zamboanga Del Norte native was entrusted with the responsibility of being the team captain for the Lady Tamaraws.
With years of experience and undeniable talent, the Education major has proven time and again that she is more than suited for the role.
Whether it’s anchoring her team’s defense or scoring crucial goals, Tolentin’s aim is not just to lead her team to victory but also to inspire others along the way.
“Pinahalagahan ko lang yung tiwala na binigay sakin ni Coach Let (Dimzon) para maging team captain,” the 24-year-old forward shared. “Dahil din napamahal ako sa laro, gusto ko rin maging inspirasyon sa iba and also maka-contribute sa team.”
In their season opener against Ateneo de Manila last Saturday, Tolentin showed why she’s the captain her teammates can rely on. She paved the way for FEU, assisting on an early goal just five minutes into the match, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Despite being one of the top scorers on her team, Tolentin remains humble. She consistently credits her teammates for their collective effort and success.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“First game pa lang namin, sobrang saya kasi in the second half, nung pinasok na yung mga game changer, dun lumabas yung play. We got the result naman and finollow namin yung game,” she explained.
Beyond the UAAP, Tolentin’s talents have also earned her a call-up to the National Team for the Pinatar Cup.
She will once again represent the country in the AFC Cup in Thailand.
With little to no break between UAAP matches, international duties, and her responsibilities as a student-athlete, Tolentin shared how she manages to juggle her packed schedule.
“I expected malakas yung kalaban namin dun since taga ibang bansa sila. Naka-focus talaga sila sa football dun. Para sakin, nire-ready ko na lang sarili ko for each game mapa-UAAP or international. Sobrang saya kasi it’s an opportunity for me na makasama sa lineup,” Tolentin said.
Following the AFC Cup break, the Lady Tamaraws will face the UST Golden Booters on October 19 at Diliman Stadium. Tolentin is already preparing for the challenge.
“For that game, nahirapan kami mag-adjust sa first half, di namin nagawa yung play na gusto namin gawin – maybe because first game pa lang namin,” she recounted.
“Pero sobrang saya kasi second half nung pinasok na yung mga game changer, dun lumabas yung play. We got the result naman and finollow namin yung game.”
As the Lady Tamaraws chase a three-peat in the UAAP, Tolentin remains focused on her goals.
“May goal po kasi ako for the team na makuha namin yung three-peat. Pinahalagahan ko lang yung tiwala na binigay sa’kin ni Coach Let para maging team captain. At dahil din napamahal ako sa laro, gusto ko rin maging inspirasyon sa iba and also maka-contribute sa team.”
