Kirstie Alora could not contain her joy when De La Salle University toppled National University during Day 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Taekwondo Tournament.
Though it was only their penultimate match, the victory all but secured the championship for the Green Jins.
“Siyempre, we already beat the champion. Sila lagi yung nagdo-dominate ng UAAP. Nung natalo namin sila, siyempre the next fights would be much easier,” said Alora, who serves as an assistant coach under DLSU Taekwondo Program Director Kitoy Cruz.
“The remaining matches namin, mas naisip namin na mas madali na.”
True to her words, La Salle cruised through its final match, completing a tournament sweep that ended NU’s five-year reign and delivered the Taft-based squad its first title since UAAP Season 76.
Alora expressed immense pride in the sacrifices and efforts of standouts like Johnson Rosario, Einz Aricayos, and Marc Andrei Gacilos.
“Sabi ko nga lang sa kanila, we are very proud of you kahit anong resulta. Sa training pa lang, they showed their fighting spirit and dedication to win the championship. Masaya kami na champion sila,” she shared.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The championship win also marked a significant milestone for Alora as she embarks on her post-competition journey.
After winning her fourth Southeast Asian Games gold medal last year, Alora decided to retire, capping off an illustrious 18-year career.
Beyond her regional success, she is a multiple-time bronze medalist at the Asian Championships and represented the Philippines in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.
Admittedly, the transition from athlete to coach has been challenging.
“Coaching kasi, it’s not about just the sport. It’s about growing up after taekwondo,” the 35-year-old Alora admitted.
“I’m just sharing my experience na na-gain ko during my playing time. Yun lang kaya kong i-share talaga. Lahat napagdaanan ko na kaya I try to.”
For Alora, coaching goes beyond techniques and strategies on the mat—it’s about instilling life lessons as well.
“We’re not just teaching sports; it’s about teaching life.”
