BACOLOD City – Bacolodnon Jihan Isabelle Chuatico has been called up to join the national U-19 women’s volleyball team competing in the 21st Asian Women’s U-19 Volleyball Championship in Semey, Kazakhstan this July.
The Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts middle blocker is the latest addition to the national U-19 team comprised mostly of players from California Precision Sports.
“It still feels surreal. It has not sunk in yet,” Chuatico told Panay News on Friday. “I do feel honored to be given the opportunity to be part of the national team. I am humbled, grateful and excited too.”
“This is a chance to learn and improve my skills further with my more experienced teammates there,” added the 16-year-old volleybelle, who already joined the squad’s training in Nueva Vizcaya.
Chuatico, who stands 5-foot-10 and a half, added that the call up was huge as she not only represents the Thunderbolts but also the Western Visayas in the U-19 team.
“I am quite honored but also feel a lot of weight on my shoulders,” Chuatico said. “I am determined to make Bacolod Tay Tung as well as Western Visayas proud with this call up.”
She added: “I also believe that the rigorous training and the discipline instilled to me by my coaches at Bacolod Tay Tung will quicken my adjustment to the national team.”
Thunderbolts head coach Ian Macariola, for his part, said that Chuatico is a great addition to the squad of head coach Jerry Yee with her talent, height and discipline.
“Jihan is one of the most hardworking players in my team. She has really work her way each and everyday the past few years to polish her game,” Macariola said.
“As her coach, I am just glad and proud that her efforts are recognized. I am certain that she will be a huge help to the national U-19 team in their upcoming competition,” he added./PN
