For everything that she has accomplished, 2017 will be the first time Mika Reyes has a shot at making the National Women’s Volleyball Team.
With a resumé that includes three UAAP championships, a PSA Ms. Volleyball nod, and a selection to the Magnificent Seven that played for PSL-F2 Logistics in the 2016 FIVB Women’s World Club Championships, a stint with the Nationals was the only accolade missing.
The 22-year-old explains that in the past, she had been fully committed to playing for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in the UAAP, which left no time for her and her teammates to join tryouts.
“I had plans naman na before kasi sino ba namang aayaw na mag-represent sa country, especially magkaroon ng chance makapaglaro sa ibang bansa,” Reyes shared
“Sabi nga namin before, focus muna kami sa UAAP, sa La Salle before thinking about anything else. Hindi lang talaga umaabot ‘yung time para maka-join kami noon sa tryouts.”
But now that she’s in the 25-woman pool, Reyes is elated and fully committed to the Nationals.
“I’m so happy. I’m very thankful to be given the opportunity. Ang dami naming nagtry-out and I’m one of the ones who made it. I feel very blessed,” the current Petron stalwart expressed.
Reyes will contend with fellow middle blockers Jaja Santiago, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Maika Ortiz, Aby Maraño, Lourdes Clemente, and Gen Casugod for spots on the final 12-woman roster that will compete in August in the AVC Seniors Tournament and SEA Games.
With such a competitive field, Reyes promises she’ll continue being who she is and doing her best.
“For me, I’ll do what I can lang for the team na kumukuha sa akin. Siyempre andoon pa din ‘yung pag-iigahan ko talaga. Iba-iba rin naman kaming mga middle,” the proud daughter of Pulilan, Bulacan said.
“Hindi ko maico-compare ‘yung sarili ko sa kanila. Hindi naman ako si Santiago, hindi naman ako si Ortiz, hindi rin ako katulad ni ate Aby Maraño. Ako, si Reyes ako. Kung gusto nila ako tanggapin, bibigay ko sa kanila nang buong-buo.”
