MANILA – Filipina cager Ella Patrice Fajardo is set to make waves in Division 1 of the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association following her commitment to Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
Fajardo, whose mother hails from Bacolod City, announced her swearing of allegiance to the school on Sunday via her Facebook account.
“I’m coming home to the next chapter of my academic and athletic journey at Fairleigh Dickinson University. It has been my dream to get a quality college education and be able to play at the Division 1 level,” said Fajardo.
She added: “My story has not been easy. I am working hard every day to prove myself over and over and to earn every victory and success that come my way. This milestone is made possible by my faith in God and my huge support system.”
The five-foot-five Filipina cager admitted that the road has been tough for her as she has always been the shortest among the squads she joined. This, however, only made her step up even more.
“[I’m] always [the shortest]. But you know when I’m on that court, I really don’t notice them [other people] anymore,” Fajardo said in a previous interview with Spin.ph.
“I’ve been accustomed to being the shortest since I was in third grade all the way to where I am now. I really like the challenge and proving people wrong when they see me and think that she’s really short,” she added.
Fajardo is no stranger to Filipino basketball fans as she already suited up for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s basketball team that captured the bronze medal in the FIBA 3×3 U18 Asia Cup last year in Malaysia.
She teamed up with Kristine Cayabyab, Angel Surada and Camille Clarin in their conquest which included a stunning 14-11 victory over the 2018 tournament’s champion China in the battle for third place./PN
