Dionesa Tolentin bid farewell to her collegiate football career on the highest note possible, guiding the Lady Tamaraws to the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament crown with a hard-fought victory over De La Salle University last Saturday.
It was a fitting conclusion to her journey, one that saw her rise from a determined rookie to a three-time champion, leaving behind a legacy of grit, heart, and unwavering dedication.
As she closed this chapter, Tolentin not only celebrated a championship but also reflected on the journey that shaped her into the player and person she is today.
Now a three-time champion with FEU, Tolentin paid tribute to her mentor Let Dimzon, who has guided their alma mater to seven of its league-record 13 championships since taking the helm in Season 73.
“To Coach Let, thank you so much,” said the Season 87 Best Midfielder and co-Golden Boot awardee.
“Since Grade 12 when I entered FEU, ikaw talaga nagpaka-nanay sa’kin, samin. Salamat, coach, sa paggabay sa’min kahit minsan nangingiyak na ako sa field, pero andyan ka pa rin, ginabayan ako,” she expressed.
“Hindi ka sumusuko sa’kin at mas gusto ko pinu-push ako. Yes, nasasaktan ako minsan, pero inaalala ko na ginagabayan mo ako para makuha ko ‘yung goal ko this season. Thank you, Coach Let and FEU.”
Since the return of football to the UAAP after the COVID-19 pandemic, Tolentin has been nothing short of sensational for the Lady Tamaraws.
She played a key role in Season 85, where FEU reclaimed the championship after an eight-season drought.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In Season 86, she elevated her game even further, winning her second championship and earning three individual awards: Most Valuable Player, Golden Boot, and Best Striker.
Moreover, during the campaign, she also made her debut with the Philippine Women’s National Team during their Pinatar Cup campaign.
With her FEU days now behind her, Tolentin reflected on her UAAP career, one that brought both domestic glory and the opportunity to play abroad.
For her, much of her success is owed to Dimzon and the other members of the Lady Tamaraws’ coaching staff.
“Pinipigilan ko umiyak kasi ayoko talaga,” said Tolentin. “Sobrang nakakalungkot kasi siyempre this is my last playing year; this is my last na ma-experience ko as a UAAP player.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa coaches ko sa pag-push sa’kin throughout this season. Coaches, thank you sa lahat, sa lahat ng sacrifice niyo sa’min. Andito na, binayaran namin lahat ng sakripisyo niyo. Sana masaya kayo sa nakuha namin ngayon.”
As a champion Lady Tamaraw, Tolentin hopes that the current batch’s holdovers will be able to continue FEU’s dominance in the women’s division for as long as possible.
On a personal level, she plans to pursue a career in football, with dreams of becoming a mainstay in a professional league and representing the Filipinas in future international camps and competitions.
“Sa pro, mas mataas ‘yung gusto nila na player, so ako gusto ko pa mag-training para itong season na ‘to makatulong sa akin sa susunod,” she said.
“Pagdating sa national team, ‘yung puso nandun, ‘yung hard work nandun, at saka ‘yung kagustuhan maglaro sa field kahit na minsan pangit ‘yung laro, pero andun pa rin ‘yung hard work. Sa akin lang, sa national team, madala ko ‘tong season na ‘to and achievement na ‘to sa national team.”
