Rachel Lacayanga is no stranger to embracing responsibilities, having been the undisputed leader of the University of the East women’s basketball team.
That’s why the spitfire guard hardly feels any pressure even now that she won’t just be carrying the Lady Warriors’ name in the upcoming UAAP season, but also one of the biggest sports brands globally.
She’s now one of ANTA Philippines’ newest ambassadors, formally introduced on Wednesday along with UST’s Carl Manding and Chad Gammad of Letran.
“Excited po sa darating na season, especially dala ko po ‘yung brand na ANTA,” she said during the contract signing rites at the ANTA Gateway branch.
“Siyempre, malaki rin po ‘yung impact ng brand na ‘to [sa amin], kung paano kami makapagpapakita pa. Sa akin po, siguro ANTA ‘yung magpapa-boost sa confidence ko to go hard pa pagdating sa mga laro,” she furthered.
Lacayanga is soon entering her third season in the country’s most prestigious collegiate league as one of the players to watch after a solid Season 88.
The former WMPBL player with Galeries Tower served as the lone bright spot in a harrowing campaign for the rebuilding Lady Warriors. She finished with per-game averages of 13.85 points, 6.15 rebounds, 1.31 assists, and 3.0 steals.
It was her sheer effort on both ends that ANTA Philippines truly appreciated, so much so that they signed her to a multi-year endorsement deal.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Last year, watching her play, she was just amazing to watch,” reflected Mikko Abello, ANTA Philippines’ marketing manager. “Palaging nagpapakamatay for the Lady Warriors, and it’s very hard not to notice how intense she plays.
“It’s going to be her third season, so we’re looking forward to seeing her mature. She has improved during this offseason, and so have her teammates. She’s one of the ANTA athletes we’re very, very excited to watch this season.”
By linking up with ANTA Philippines, Lacayanga has also made history, as she becomes the first-ever UE women’s basketball player to sign with the brand.
“Para sa akin, sobrang grateful ako na ako po ‘yung pinagkatiwalaan nina Sir Mikko at ng ANTA na i-represent ‘yung brand,” she offered.
Bringing in Lacayanga is part of the brand’s big plan to expand its growing roster of brand ambassadors with more female basketball athletes.
Before her, it was only the Ateneo de Manila University duo of Lauren Lopez and Candice Udal on the list. However, ANTA Philippines has been actively pursuing other players, especially now that the collegiate season is drawing closer.
“Rachel, she’s the first UE women’s basketball player we’re signing. She’s also the third pa lang so far to sign with the brand after Lauren Lopez and Candice Udal from Ateneo,” said Abello, who’s been leading the recruitment efforts.
“We have a few more that we’ll be announcing in the next couple of weeks, before the season starts,” the UAAP basketball deputy commissioner added.
