MANILA – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts star setter Katherine Shaine Cortez is more than excited to start her collegiate career with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
The Bacolod City-native Cortez said she was delighted that Ateneo was among the Manila-based schools that recruited her as wearing the blue and white colors of the Blue Eagles was one of her long-time dreams.
“I am happy and at the same time nervous,” Cortez told Panay News on Wednesday. “Ateneo is known for its rigorous academic rules aside from its volleyball program which scares me a bit, but I know that it will help me in the long run.”
“Ateneo was really one of my dream schools so I am happy when Ateneo contacted (Bacolod Tay Tung team manager) Sir Boy (Montalbo) about me and when coach O(liver Almadro) personally went here to take a look at me,” she added.
Cortez also gave credit to her coaches at Bacolod Tay Tung High School in Ian Macariola and Roberto Calamba Jr. as well to Montalbo for molding her to be one of the finest high school setters in the country.
“Coach Ian and Coach Biboy really played a huge role in my improvement as a volleyball player, so I offer to them all of my success and what I will achieve as a member of the Ateneo team in the future,” Cortez said.
As the Blue Eagles missed the Final Four of the UAAP Season 85 tournament for the first time in 11 seasons, Cortez said she looks forward to joining the squad immediately and try to help them bounce back next season.
“I am eager to embrace the challenges of a new school and environment. I am open to learning new skills that can enhance my existing talent and help me reach my full potential,” Cortez said.
“Ateneo can expect me to have a positive attitude towards the team. I will strive to be a supportive teammate, even if I’m the youngest or new in the team. I will encourage others to do their best and build strong teamwork to achieve our goals,” she added.
Cortez is currently part of the Thunderbolts team that reached the semifinals round of the 2023 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational. They will face Naga College Foundation in the Final Four this Saturday./PN
