Just a few months ago, University of Santo Tomas rookie Eya Laure was salivating over finally making her UAAP Seniors division debut.
This afternoon, Laure became the youngest member of the Philippine Women’s National Team pool, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing next to her idols like Alyssa Valdez and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.
The 19-year-old was overwhelmed at this big opportunity coming at such an early point in her career.
“Honored and blessed ako na nabilang ako sa National Team pool.
“Gagawin ko talaga ‘yung best ko dito every training pa lang na makasama talaga ako doon sa final team,” said the former UAAP Juniors Volleyball MVP.
Laure was particularly honored to be included in a list that has the best players in the country. While most of her contemporaries are in the Under-23, she is already in the Seniors team.
“Siyempre naman, sila ‘yung mga… Bata pa lang ako, pinapanood ko na sila. Sila din ‘yung tinitignan ng bawat volleyball player dito sa Pilipinas. Siyempre, dream ko ‘to na makasama sila lahat. Hindi lang si Ate Alyssa, pero halos lahat talaga,” she expressed.
“Naniniwala din ako sa program ng National Team, lalo na nandoon pa rin si coach Kungfu (Reyes). Kahit naman noong first National Team ko nandoon na si coach Kungfu. Hanggang ngayon, nandito pa rin siya. All throughout gina-guide niya ako sa lahat.”
Valdez, who is seeking a spot in her third Southeast Asian Games roster, believes Laure has been mature enough for the women’s lineup for a while.
“Eya’s deserving to be part of the National Team kahit anumang age niya, I think she’s matured enough in the sense na marami na siyang nalaro. May mga times na naglaro na siya with a college team and may times na nakalaro niya na mga bata,” said the perennial National Team member.
“Marami na siyang napagadaanan kaya confident din ang mga coaches na masama siya. We have to start them young para alam natin na may future and, moving forward, may magre-represent ng ating bansa. Walang pressure kay Eya doon.”
