For the last four years, Tots Carlos was juggling her priorities with University of the Philippines and the clubs she signed with.
But the University Athletic Association of the Philippines scrapped its Seasons 82 and 83, so the 22-year-old had a big decision to make – stay in UP for another year or turn pro?
Ultimately, Carlos, a native of Lubao, Pampanga, thought of her family and the need to support them. And so she decided to sign with Creamline.
“Actually, at first I wanted to play my final year and isabay ‘yung collegiate volleyball with the PVL. But then the PVL turned pro na,” she recounted during an episode of The Game.
“Sa situation na ito, I had to choose professional volleyball because I have to support my family, and I really wanted to learn new experiences talaga with Coach Tai [Bundit] and my new teammates sa Creamline.”
Her time with the Lady Maroons was definitely a ride.
Carlos and the rest of the Lady Maroons were able to make it to the Final Four in UAAP Season 78. In addition, they were able to steer UP to the 2018 PVL Collegiate Conference and PSL Collegiate Grand Slam championships, with Carlos winning MVP in the latter.
Still, the 5-foot-6 winger feels saddened that she could not play out her final year.
“Sobrang sayang kasi UAAP, once-in-a-lifetime lang ‘yan darating sa isang player.
“Sobrang nanghihinayang ako na hindi ko na malalaro ‘yung last year ko. I had to set my priorities, that’s why I decided to join the Creamline Cool Smashers,” said 2019 PVL Open Conference Best Opposite Spiker.
Still, it was hard to refuse the opportunity that Creamline offered.
After Motolite disbanded, the Cool Smashers quickly picked her up from the free agency pool. And she can’t wait to join Bundit’s legendary trainings and play alongside decorated players Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado when the PVL rolls around come the second quarter of the year.
“Well, I believe Coach Tai is a very good coach, especially with the results na napakita na niya sa UAAP and PVL. Except sa training na napabalitaan ko na nakakatakot daw, I’m ready to train with him because I really believe na okay ‘yung system niya. Gustong-gusto ko din makasama sina Ate Ly at sila Ate Jia.”
