For Ateneo de Manila University, staying sharp is crucial to maintaining its dominance in the UAAP Women’s Badminton Tournament.
Despite facing unforeseen challenges, reigning MVP Mika De Guzman and her teammates remain focused on the task at hand and their ultimate goal.
Co-MVP of Season 86, Jochelle Alvarez, departed before the start of the current season. Yet, De Guzman remains optimistic that the team will step up to the challenge.
“Kailangan lang talagang may mag-step up. But I believe we can all step up for one another this season,” said De Guzman, the team’s spiritual leader and captain.
“So far, we’re very compact, and I’m happy we’re doing our best. We’re adjusting to the new court, and I’m just happy that each of us is focused on one game at a time, one point at a time. Just like what coach Kennie said, we just have to focus on one point at a time para mailabas namin ‘yung game po namin,” she added.
For the 2024 Philippine Badminton Open champion, her positive outlook is rooted in the fact that the defending champions’ preparation for the season didn’t just start in recent months, but immediately after their title win in November last year.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Our preparation gives us confidence, knowing we’ve been training for this. So, ‘yung training na ‘yun, we can’t doubt the program given by our coaches,” De Guzman explained. “Coach Kennie, our head coach, is super galing, and we all trust her so much, as well as coach Roy and coach Fides. So, we just have to trust our coaches.
“And it’s not just about our physical abilities; we also have to train mentally. Kasi, it’s just as important as the physical. Kasi what your mind thinks, your body will follow.”
Winning a fifth straight UAAP title is a tough challenge for these ladies from Katipunan. But with De Guzman as a shining example of hard work and consistency, it’s all about translating that effort onto the court.
“We just have to keep a strong heart and mind. Kailangan pa naming buuin ‘yung loob namin and, of course, trust God, our coaches, and our teammates, para maging consistent kami all throughout the season,” she concluded.
