MANILA – Being separated from her family is one of the challenges for Bacolodnon middle blocker Joan Marie Monares who is preparing her impending move to the University of the Philippines’ women’s volleyball team.
“I have mixed emotions. I am anxious because I will be away from my family and I will be facing a whole new environment. But, I am willing to go through everything,” Monares said in an interview with Sports Journ.
“There will be a lot of adjustments for me at UP. New school, new team, new training program and whatnot,” she added. “Good thing my experience with Bacolod Tay Tung has taught me to trust myself, be strong, tough, optimistic, and content.”
Despite the pandemic situation, the 18-year-old Monares still manages to keep herself in shape with an online training being conducted by the UP coaching staff.
“I am looking forward to this new chapter of my life. This is a great opportunity and a huge stepping stone to my volleyball career,” said Monares, a first-year sports science student.
“I have been practicing to prepare myself physically and mentally, I am doing some workout here and doing some drills and I am also meditating to relax myself,” added the 5-foot-10 volleybelle.
Prior to being recruited by UP head coach Godfrey Okumu, Monares made a name in Western Visayas as part of the Bacolod Tay Tung High School’s secondary girls volleyball team.
While playing for Bacolod Tay Tung, she represented Western Visayas in Palarong Pambansa, National Private Schools Athletic Association, Akari National High School Volleyball Championships and in Rebisco Volleyball League.
Monares was one of the six rookie recruits of Fighting Maroons Okumu aside from Antiquena Irah Anika Jaboneta, Kirstin Ojeda, Ricalie Alukso, Gianna Faith Pring, and Nikkie Joy Baldizanzo./PN
