By: Ernest Tuazon
In many cases, sports journalists once had dreams of becoming professional athletes in their chosen sports.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, their athletic aspirations did not come to fruition, leading them to join the media industry and become sports journalists.
That was not the case for Akari middle blocker Ysa Bakabak. Not only is she a sports writer for the LaSallian, but she also signed with the Chargers for the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
“I’m really happy about it, pero at the same time, I guess it’s something that I’m really looking forward to kasi from college, I haven’t been able to play, so only covering games,” she said.
“So now, it’s the other way around, but I’m still doing it. I’m still part of my school’s organization. I’m looking forward to playing and covering more.”
Her signing with Akari, however, did not come without adversity.
Despite her inclusion in the Lady Spikers’ training pool, Bakabak did not crack the team’s lineup for various collegiate leagues. She then went undrafted in the inaugural PVL Draft.
The 5-foot-10 middle blocker rose above these challenges thanks to her experience with La Salle’s women’s volleyball team, the LaSallian, and head coach Ramil de Jesus.
(c) PVL Images
“Besides not being able to play, I’m still grateful for all of the opportunities that I’ve experienced and still grateful to coach Ramil for training under him,” the 21-year-old middle blocker said.
“At the same time, [I’m thankful for] the courage in me that I took the guts, the opportunity to keep pushing and keep trying despite not being able to play,” the Colegio San Agustin alumna added.
While juggling the demanding tasks of being a campus journalist and a professional volleyball athlete, Bakabak is also a senior pre-med student at La Salle.
Bakabak, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, emphasized the importance of good planning in managing her three roles.
“I’m a planner, so I’m a really organized person. I plan ahead of time. In my personal planner, I plan two weeks in advance and schedule accordingly,” she said.
The early practice of time management and planning is essential to Bakabak, who hopes to enter medical school in a year or two.
As she manages three demanding responsibilities simultaneously, a clear goal remains for the young middle blocker: to stand out and perform for Akari while continuing her passion as a campus journalist.
“Since I’m still a rookie and haven’t had much exposure yet, I’m looking forward to performing for Akari and seeing myself grow as a better athlete and, at the same time, a better campus journalist.”
