MANILA – Antiqueña open hitter Irah Anika Jaboneta does not see her height as deficiency as she begins her collegiate volleyball career with the University of the Philippines (UP) women’s volleyball team.
In an interview with Sports Lang podcast on Sunday evening, the five-foot-five Jaboneta said she is using the negative comments from netizens as motivation to perform well in matches.
“Ang mindset ko lang talaga is being small does not make me less of a player,” Jaboneta said. “Na-accept ko naman na (na mas) maliit ako unlike sa other volleyball players.”
“Ako idinadaan ko sa practice kung papaano ko mapapalusot ‘yung bola sa taller defenders,” she added. “Basta every game gagawin ko kung ano ang kaya ko, kung ano ang abilidad ko at kung ano ang maitulong ko sa team.”
Prior to being recruited to play for the Fighting Maroons, Jaboneta played for Antique National School before moving to Manila for Hope Christian High School and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School.
“Blessed ako to be part of UP women’s volleyball team because it’s really my dream since I was in Antique,” the 19-year-old Jaboneta said. “I am looking forward to join the team after the pandemic.”
“I do not want to put pressure on myself. I am ready sa mga challenges, kung ano ‘yung adjustments na kailangan kong gawin,” she added./PN
