MANILA – Antiqueña hitter Irah Anika Jaboneta has fulfilled her childhood dream by accepting the offer to suit up for the University of the Philippines’ (UP) women’s volleyball team in the UAAP.
The 5-foot-5 Jaboneta told Panay News that she immediately said yes when recruited by Fighting Maroons head coach Godfrey Okumu as it was her dream since she was still in Antique to wear the UP colors.
“Since naman nung nasa Antique pa ako, I am decided na talaga na UP is where I want to play and study for college,” Jaboneta said. “I had a chance to join them in training before and doon ako nakita ni coach Okumu and asked me if I wanted to play for him.”
“Also, my brother is someone I looked up to and my inspiration when I play. So yun din ang isa sa mga reason kaya ako nag-UP,” added Jaboneta, whose brother Felixberto “Janjan” Jaboneta IV was a former member of UP’s men’s basketball team.
Prior to her UP move, Jaboneta had previously played for Antique National School before moving to Manila with the help of Ilonggo sportsman Rodolfo Go Villaruz and played for Hope Christian High School and De La Salle Zobel Junior Lady Spikers.
“My expectations going into the Lady Maroons team is us helping each other out so that I can improve my skills because college is a different level and I need to be ready for that challenge,” she said.
“As one of the rookies in the team, I will just give my 101% performance every game or even in our training. I will always be ready for whatever will be given to me as long as I can help,” she added.
Jaboneta was one of the six rookies of Okumu heading into UAAP Season 83 aside from Bacolodnon Joan Marie Monares, Kirstin Ojeda, Ricalie Alukso, Gianna Faith Pring, and Nikkie Joy Baldizanzo./PN
