August 17 will forever bear sentimental value for the spunky Dawn Macandili
On the same day she was named the first-ever libero MVP last year in the PSL All-Filipino Cup, Macandili lined up with Asia’s best this year as the Second Best Libero of the AVC Senior Women’s Championship.
Like last year, receiving a historic award had come as a total surprise for Macandili.
“Nakakagulat po kasi, siyempre, first time ko maglaro sa international tapos ganito agad. Parang nakaka-pressure din at the same time na mag-perform pa ako ng mas mataas pa sa performance ko ngayon,” Macandili thought.
“Ayaw ko mag-settle, since ‘yun nga pangit ang start ko tapos ganito ang resulta. siguro next time i-feel ko naman na may magagwa pa ako na mas maganda.”
It was a wonder to Macandili that dirty work players like her would be bestowed such prestigious recognition.
“Nakaka-amaze kasi ‘yung parang training ka lang nang training, tapos gusto ko lang naman makatulong ka sa team, para hindi bumagsak ang bola, tapos may nakaka-recognize pala ng ganoon, parang nagpe-payoff pala siya,” Macandili admitted.
While it was under his watch that Macandili won Second Best Libero, National Team head coach Francis Vicente gives all credit to Macandili’s long-time mentor, Ramil De Jesus.
“We have to congratulate also ‘yung naging coach niya na maganda ‘yung naging outcome ng kanyang training,” Vicente said.
” Dito binigay lang namin ‘yung tiwala sa kanya. Kaya siya nagexcel, minotivate namin para ma-challenge siya to be in her best. Let us give most credit to the coach na nag-harness sa kanya.”
