The Ravena household has built a dynasty in Ateneo de Manila University
The oldest Ravena child, Keifer, brought UAAP championships and Most Valuable Players awards to the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles. Thirdy Ravena was also a former Juniors MVP and most recently led the Blue Eagles to the Season 80 championship.
Now another Ravena has started her UAAP journey as the youngest child, Dani, debuted for the Lady Eagles last Sunday. And on Wednesday, she made a mark during the Lady Eagles’ gallant stand against the National University Lady Bulldogs.
“It’s overwhelming kasi I’ve always just been part of the crowd. For the first time, I’m part of the team na,” Dani expressed.
“Starting out with the team, I need to know my role. I can be anything like motivating your teammates. I know I just have to my role and stay ready kasi you never know when coach Tai [Bundit] will use you.”
Her family knows the pressure Dani is under. Keifer trusts her sister will remain patient and surrender herself to the long process of collegiate sports.
“It’s a process that you have to go through, it’s a process you have to embrace. You see the game in a very different perspective,” Kiefer said. “At this age, at this time, the more she can realize and see how the game is played in the collegiate level, when she comes in ready na siya.
“She’s going to have an easier time to adjust when it’s her time.”
“We all talked to her about it kasi nga alam namin na delayed siya sa volleyball skills. I think she knows it naman. She understands,” added Mozzy, the Ravena matriarch.
Mozzy, one of ABS-CBN’s panelists for volleyball, said that she will not do commentary for any Ateneo game, unless it’s the Finals, to avoid any conflict. Still, she’s also excited to watch her daughter’s UAAP journey.
“It’s surreal. Iniisip mo siya, dream mo siya before. Now that it’s happened, halong happy ka for her. Alam ko namang delayed pa ‘yung skillset kasi medyo late siya nag-start sa volleyball. I’m more interested to see her development, her journey,” said Mozzy.
Keifer echoes her statement, knowing Dani will work to get her opportunity with the team.
“Kami ni Thirdy know na volleyball is a very different sport. Ang daming veterans diyan na fourth year na pero nasa bench pa,” said the current NLEX Road Warrior star.
“That’s how volleyball is played. Unlike basketball na you can come in for two minutes and give someone a break and then sub out. It’s really tough to get a break sa volleyball to start. It’s something that will work for Dani and I know she’ll embrace her role for the team.”
As the Lady Eagles piled out of the court, Dani was tasked to lug the team’s cooler, a rookie responsibility. Even if her brothers have won championships for Ateneo, she’s isn’t exempt from rookie duties.
“You can’t really stop people from saying anything. There’s already expectation from me going into college because of my last name. I don’t mind that because I grew up with it,” shared Dani, who had 10 receptions and nine digs against the Lady Bulldogs.
“I just use it as motivation to prove my doubters wrong.”
