Joshua Retamar reached the pinnacle of his student life on Thursday when he graduated with a degree from National University’s College of Business and Accountancy, majoring in Financial Management at the SMX Convention Center.
This achievement came a day after he led National University back to the Finals of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.
Now, he is focusing on bringing his athletic career to a momentous close.
Retamar guided the Bulldogs to the championship round on Wednesday with 21 excellent sets, accompanied by a team-high five blocks.
He and his team defeated second-round tormentor De La Salle University in the Final Four, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21.
For Retamar, it’s about going out with a bang.
“Ako kasi, ako yung player na ayaw kong natatalo. Bawat game talaga sa akin nagpaplanta eh. Lalo na ngayon final year ko na, tapos graduation ko pa bukas. So kailangang maganda yung – kaya tinrabaho talaga namin,” said Retamar on Wednesday after the win.
“Sabi namin ni Nico, dalhin namin sila and sila pa ang nag-angat sa amin, yung lower batches namin. Kaya maganda ang kinalabasan,” he said as sophomore Michaelo Buddin and rookie Jade Disquitado delivered in the clutch.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Retamar’s collegiate career began in Season 82, months after he orchestrated the Philippine men’s national team’s silver finish in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
However, the season was canceled after just a few game days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the league resumed in the shortened Season 84, there was no men’s indoor volleyball.
In Season 85, Retamar made sure to leave his mark as National U completed a rare season sweep en route to the crown.
To overcome the University of Santo Tomas’ challenge this season, the 6-foot-1 setter emphasized the importance of everyone’s contribution to the team.
The Bulldogs have yet to defeat the Golden Spikers this season, losing in straight sets in the first round and experiencing a reverse sweep in the second round.
“Pinaka-importante ngayon yung teamwork kasi sa game namin ngayon, ang dami naming chance na na-angat yung bola at na-score pa, so pagbubutihin pa namin,” said the NU captain.
