Lance De Castro epitomized heart and passion for Ateneo de Manila University during its UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.
That’s the legacy he plans to leave with the Blue Eagles, if he ever departs after the season.
At 24 years old, the libero still has eligibility for one final year in the country’s premier collegiate league.
De Castro, alongside Jetlee Gopio and James Licauco, stood at the forefront of the Ateneo contingent during their hymn after the final game of the tournament – a 25-22, 25-21, 25-17 win over Adamson University on Wednesday.
It is a moment reserved for graduating players.
The Blue Eagles finished fifth place again with a 7-7 record.
“Siguro one legacy na I really wanna impart sa mas nakakabata sa akin sa team is yung skills is always there. It’s something na kaya mo siyang pagtrabahuhan if you really wanna be good at your craft,” said De Castro on what could be his final year if he decided to not return for Season 87.
He added, “Pero that’s just one thing. Ibang usapan kapag disiplinado ka sa ginagawa mo, mahal mo yung ginagawa mo.”
“Doon papasok yung kahit bugbog na yung katawan mo sa training, kahit gaano na kami kapagod sa pag-aaral, tulog ng sobrang late and then we’re gonna wake up the next morning super early.. Pero papasok pa rin doon yung grit and discipline mo to work hard. Kasi sobrang mawawala lahat ng pinagpapaguran mo kung hindi ka naman disiplinado enough,” he added.
De Castro’s greatest display of heart and passion came midway through the elimination round. He injured his right leg on a digging play on March 24 against the University of the Philippines.
Although he sat out the remainder of the game, he continued to lead the Blue Eagles as they narrowly defeated the Fighting Maroons in five sets.
Then, in their next game on April 4, De Castro returned to the Taraflex, albeit limping throughout the entire game.
Ateneo pushed Far Eastern University to five sets before ultimately losing, with De Castro playing without relief despite his injury.
“I think that’s one thing that I really wanna impart sa mga players na maiiwan namin dito, magagaling na sila skills-wise,” said De Castro.
“If ever I’m gonna leave or if I’ll go back next year, I’m pretty sure hindi na kinakailangan yung skills ko. It’s more of if they really wanna learn from me and how I lead the team. I think it’s one thing that I really wanna give to them.”
