Even when the spotlight was solely on her, Bernadeth Pons was still thinking of her teammates.
The proud daughter of Talisay, Negros Occidental went down swinging in her final UAAP match, scoring 17 points to go with 16 digs and 15 excellent receptions.
Pons’ Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws ultimately failed to overthrow the La Salle dynasty, but she succeeded in leaving a mark. Every year that she’s played in the green and gold, Pons led the team in scoring. In Seasons 79 and 80, she was even their best digger and receiver.
Still, the 21-year-old leaves the UAAP without a single individual accolade or championship, even in beach volleyball. She did, however, win the hearts of fans, whose clamour for #MVPons was all over social media.
But, even in the perfect time to reflect on her greatness and bask in the glory of her career, Pons had the Lady Tamaraws she was leaving behind in mind.
“Masaya ako sa anuman ‘yung naabot namin this year so sobrang proud ako this year sa team namin although hindi namin nakuha ‘yung finals, ‘yung goal namin,” the 5-foot-7 outside hitter reminisced.
“So, hopefully, ‘yung experience na ito is stepping stone sa mga natitira next year to bounce back. Sobrang proud ako sa mga teammates ko, sa mga coaches, sa lahat kasi lumaban kami hanggang dulo.”
Pons could not contemplate on her legacy. Thinking about herself is a foreign concept.
“Si Pons kasi, ‘di mo matatawaran dedication niyan sa team. Siyempre, as a leader kailangan, sabi ko nga sa kanila, hindi nya pinapakita in saying lang, also in action,” shared FEU head coach George Pascua.
“Ina-assure niya lahat ng mga teammates niya, ‘pag sa kainan, na sure na lahat sila nakakain bago siya kakain. Kung baga, sya yung huling-huling kakain. Tapos sa mga tickets, imbis na iba ang mag-ano. Nandun pa rin siya para ma-accommodate niya lahat.
“Sinisigurado niya na walang left behind, na walang maiiwan. ‘Yun ‘yung character niya as a leader. Same thing din sa laro, talagang all-out. Kasi makikita mo naman ‘yung character niya sa labas, ganun din sya sa loob,” the FEU legend pointed out.
“Yun ang kagandahan sa kanya. Kaya dahil doon sa character niya, siyempre ‘yung career niya hindi hihinto dun, mas gaganda pa. Kasi sabi nga, ‘yung attitude, ‘yung character, hindi nade-develop ng coach ‘yan. Nasa individual ‘yan kung paano mo siya gawin.”
