MANILA – The childhood dream of Ilongga volleybelle Elisha Juliene Apostol to wear the yellow and gold colors of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses has turned into reality.
This, after the 18-year-old Apostol told Panay News that she will enter the Golden Tigresses’ squad after having a remarkable high school volleyball career in the cities of Iloilo and Cebu.
“It was my dream to become a Thomasian because they have one of the best volleyball programs in the country, and they also offer superior academic programs,” she said, adding that she is grateful to be recruited by the team.
The 5-foot-9 Ilongga got into the Golden Tigresses’ radar following her impressive showing in the tryout conducted by the UST coaching staff in Cebu City two years ago.
“(Golden Tigresses head) coach Kungfu (Reyes) wanted to get me then, but I opted to finish my high school in Ateneo de Cebu. Now that I am done with high school, I am delighted that the UST’s offer is still there,” according to Apostol.
She started her volleyball career with the Ateneo de Iloilo and was able to play for the Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association in the Western Visayas Regional Athletics Association Meet. After that, she joined the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, where she won a handful of championships.
Apostol is looking forward to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to end for her to come over to Manila and join her Golden Tigresses teammates.
“I am very excited to come there and develop chemistry and camaraderie with my teammates. I believe it is important to build a connection with them since we have our common goal – which is to win the UAAP championship,” the volleybelle said.
“I want to build my self-confidence with the help of my coaches and teammates. I feel it is vital to be confident for me to have the courage to do anything, perform and develop any skills, and take on different challenges,” she added./PN
