Remy Palma was toeing the edge of the substitution box as her Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws were sparking a comeback against the Lady Eagles.
Palma watched and was barking out orders from as she stood at the head of her teammates. “Erase, erase, erase,” Palma screamed as a Jhoana Maraguinot hit gave Ateneo match point.
“Isa-isa lang!”
The following point was highly contested, and Palma itched and jerked at every touch. Finally, Michelle Morente threw down a thunderous hit.
Just like that, Palma’s career was over, and she hadn’t been on the court to affect how it ended.
“Nasa labas na naman ako,” the 21-year-old said with tears streaming down her eyes as a throng of reporters huddled around her.
For two seasons, Palma has been the picture of a perfect team captain. She led by example and vocally supported her teammates every step of the way.
As a middle hitter, however, the native of Apalit, Pampanga was not always on the court as she had to rotate out for the libero. Still, Palma constantly refused to let her teammates not feel her presence. She kept it in mind to be vocal… regardless of the crowd.
But she never thought that this was the way her collegiate career would end.
“Pero siyempre kung hindi talaga para sa amin. Kung hindi talaga ibibigay ng itaas kailangan namin i-accept,” said the BS Psychology major.
“Ganun talaga sa laro may nananalo may natatalo kailangan i-accept pero sobrang sakit. Siyempre, ayoko naman mag-end ng ganito yung season ko pero wala ganun talaga kailangan ko tanggapin.”
Palma was not always the leader she became. She started her FEU career as a pudgy kid with a strong arm. Over time, she lost weight and gained incredible confidence on the court. By her last two years, Palma developed a reputation for trash-talking and the queer looks she gave opponents.
She earned the respect of her teammates and her opponents. Her head coach, Shaq Delos Santos admitted that Palma has the chops to be a coach one day.
“Merong potential kasi sobrang happy kami na coaching staff kasi once na kinausap namin siya, ‘di naman totally perfect na magagawa niya lahat pero nandoon yung gusto niya.
“Willing din siyang matuto which is nag-reflect naman sa buong team kasi nandun yung respeto nung lahat ng players, talagang ate siya,” Delos Santos gushed.
“Lahat ng natutunan ko the whole five years ko sa UAAP dadalhin ko kung saan man ako abutin.
“Kailangan ko pa mag-hard work alam ko kulang pa, kulang pa yung napakita ko, Lagi lang akong accept ng accept para mag-grow pa ako as a person at as an athlete,” the 5-foot-10 spiker reflected.
While she declined to confirm if she will be part of the coaching staff next season, Palma is optimistic about FEU’s future.
“See you! Next season kami yung host,” Palma said.
“Mas paghihirapan namin next season talaga.”
