MANILA – Just like any talented athlete from the province, playing in Manila is a dream come true. The Ilongga volleybelle Keiara Almirante is not different from them.
She is currently playing for Kings Montessori School Lady Vikings here, following her stops with Ateneo de Iloilo and First City Providential College in Bulacan.
“I was studying and playing for Ateneo de Iloilo before, tapos ni-refer ako ni (Rodolfo) Villaruz sa friend nya na sports coordinator nang isang school sa Bulacan, si Mr. Josiah Albelda,” Almirante said.
“Mr. Albelda was then the one who referred me in turn to KMS. Thank God naman na nakapasok ako. The owner was kind enough to offer me a scholarship at their school,” she added.
The five-foot-eight open hitter added that chasing her dreams entail a lot of sacrifices, which includes her family relocating herejust to be with her.
“I believe that the harder we work to reach our goal, the closer we get to it. My parents sacrificed a lot para maka transfer kami dito (sa Manila). We even brought our 2 dogs with us,” she said.
“My parents wanted to be with me, para safe and to make sure I stay focused in my studies and sa paglalaro. That is why I have to do my best, so that their sacrifices will not be wasted,” she added.
With two years remaining in high school, the 16-year-old Almirante was already certain as to where she hopes to land in college.
“Definitely Ateneo (de Manila University Lady Eagles)! I am still True Blue by heart,” she said./PN
