THROUGHOUT their storied run in UAAP volleyball, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers have shown impressive teamwork.
Mika Reyes revealed that years on, it isn't that much different off the court.
The 26-year-old middle blocker was part of the batch that earned the respect of thousands of volleyball fans, conquering seasons 74, 75, and 78 in the UAAP. The Lady Archers were dead set on their winning game.
“Sobrang agree ako sa term na ‘foundation.' Na-develop ko talaga ‘yung personality ko dahil sa team La Salle, of course, with the help of my coaches and my teammates,” she revealed in an online interview with SPIN Life.
Mika graduated way back in 2016, and just this year, moved to the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the Philippine Superliga. But these girls have developed a special bond of their own, having beaten the odds all those years. In fact, until now, they’re inseparable.
“Until now nagkakasama-sama pa rin kami, tawag namin sa group namin Tanders ng La Salle. Kahit graduate na kami, may communication pa rin, maski nasa pro league na,” she continued.
Mika also explained that being a team player is already part of the Lady Archers’ culture from the start. The team has an unbreakable trust for each other that they bring even outside the court, even after their playing years.
She shared: “Ang naisapuso ko talaga sa team is ‘yung hindi mo kailangan maging perfect. Yes, all round ka pero hindi kailangan ikahiya ‘yung weaknesses mo. Kasi, kunwari, mahina ako sa ganitong skill, may sasalo sa akin. Kumbaga, nagsasaluhan kayo, you have each other’s backs, you can cover for each other.”
For that star-studded team, which included Cyd Demecillo, Ara Galang, Carol Cerveza, and Mika Esperanza, there is a bigger playground after college which forged a stronger friendship. They were also supported by younger teammates like Dawn Macandili and Kim Kianna Dy.
“Magaan sa feeling na andyan ‘yung teammate mo. ‘Yung support nila nandon talaga kahit na hirap or mahina ka ganong part, hindi mo mararamdaman. I think ganon ‘yung characteristic ng bawat player sa La Salle,” she said.
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