Kat Tolentino will no longer wait for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ decision regarding the so-called super seniors.
Instead, the 6-foot-1 winger has committed to going pro in the Premier Volleyball League with Choco Mucho.
“Yes, I’m committed to Choco Mucho already,” Tolentino told Tiebreaker Times. She is back in the country after staying in Canada for the last eight months.
How committed is she? Well, she and fellow Flying Titan Maddie Madayag already headed to the gym Tuesday afternoon.
By going pro, Tolentino, who turns 26 on January 27, will close a chapter in her young career. Once she gets her license from the Games and Amusements Board, there’s no going back to Ateneo.
It was just last year that Tolentino decided to play out her final year with the Lady Eagles during UAAP Season 82.
Tolentino dropped 15 points built on 12 attacks and three blocks in Ateneo’s three-set triumph over UP.
However, Tolentino’s unexpected send-off took place at a marquee match between arch-rivals Ateneo and La Salle, which ultimately concluded her collegiate stint in heartbreaking fashion. The 6-foot-3 winger was limited to just six points on a 5-of-41 attack rate.
The coronavirus pandemic then put a halt to Season 82 and cancelled the entirety of UAAP Season 83.
But for her, being in Choco Mucho would still feel like playing in Ateneo.
“Well it’s always been a chapter in my career, and it was just postponed when I tried to play my last year with Ateneo,” she said about going full-time with Choco Mucho.
“Beyond grateful because without Ateneo, I wouldn’t be where I am today. And I’m also thankful that a lot of my teammates and coaches are also with me in Choco Mucho.”