Back in UAAP Season 82, Aduke Ogunsanya had the task of being the Queen Archer of De La Salle University.
However, it only lasted for one game as the tournament was ultimately scrapped due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Two years had passed since then. And it gave the 25-year-old Ilongga a chance to reflect on what’s next for her.
After the 2021 PNVF Champions League last November, she decided to leave Taft to “know more about herself”. She then turned pro with Choco Mucho – a team steered by Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
“Parang hindi ko siya ma-explain in just one sitting kasi ang daming factors on why I decided to leave La Salle and F2,” she explained to the game.
“Pero the main reason is to grow and learn more about myself. And very [firm] naman ako with my decision.”
Since graduating from Dumangas National High School eight years ago, Ogunsanaya has blossomed under the guidance of esteemed head coach Ramil de Jesus.
She made her UAAP debut in Season 79.
During her time in La Salle, Ogunsanya would win two UAAP championships.
Like many other Lady Spikers, she would also moonlight with F2 Logistics, playing there since 2017. Ogunsaya was part of the Cargo Movers team that won four Philippine Superliga titles and the inaugural PNVF Champions League crown.
With all the success, Ogunsanya admitted that she felt scared to move out of La Salle. But it was a decision she had to make.
“At first, takot ako kasi more than eight years na rin ako naging under sa guidance ni Coach Ramil.
“Going out of my comfort zone was scary for me. Pero take it or leave it e. Parang lakasan ko na lang yung loob ko and I decided to take my journey sa labas ng F2 and La Salle,” she shared.
In Choco Mucho, she will join a frontline that is headline by 5-foot-11 Bea De Leon and 5-foot-11 Cherry Nunag.
With her new teammates, Ogunsanya knows that nothing will be given. And she feels excited for the challenge that lies ahead when the 2022 Premier Volleyball League season rolls around.
“Siyempre, challenging siya and at the same time, I’ll take the challenge,” she said.
“Siyempre, it’s healthy competition and I get something from them and, hopefully, they get something from me. Ganun yung mentality ko siya tine-take.
“I’m not taking it negatively and very positive yung tingin ko dun. At the same time, excited akong makalaro yung mga bagong players and excited akong makasama sila,” she continued.
Besides De Leon and Nunag, Ogunsanya can’t wait to pick the brains of Denden Lazaro – one of the fiercest players in the game today.
“I’m excited to learn more from her.”
