WITHOUT a doubt, Mika Reyes has become one of the icons of women’s volleyball in the country today.
Name a significant moment in the sport from the past few years, and Mika's probably been part of it.

Sports aficionados came to know her a few years back, when she bannered De La Salle University, a three-time champion in her time. After that, she was quick to gain popularity as she was courted by numerous club teams in the professional leagues.
In 2017, she was even named team captain of the Philippine national team that competed in the Asian Championships and Southeast Asian Games.
But what most people don’t know is that she’s a late-bloomer in her own sport.
The 26-year-old Sta. Lucia middle blocker revealed that she didn’t have any athletic bone in her body when she first encountered the sport.
“Back in high school, super payat ko,” she recalled to SPIN Life.
Mika explained that she had no plans of entering sports. But her height made her a standout. (During her freshman year in high school, Mika remembered standing at around 5’6" to 5’7".) A couple of senior players from her high school in St. Scholastica’s College Manila tapped her to at least try her luck in the school’s varsity.

“Sila Ate Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, Dzi Gervacio, sila ‘yung naging teammates ko sa Scho before. Back ithen, zero background talaga ko sa volleyball. ‘Nung pinag-tryout nila ako, naka-glasses pa ako, naka-P.E. uniform pa, at naka-Converse Chucks pa ‘ko,” she shared.
Mika continued: “Tapos non, sinabihan lang ako ng coach ko na pwede ka mag-training sa amin, twice a week, hindi kita pipilitin. Sabi nila, sayang yang tangkad mo. And eventually, nagustuhan ko rin kasi may samahan as a team, ang dami ko rin natututunan.
“Tapos pagka-graduate ko, ayon nakita na ako ni coach Ramil de Jesus, at dun na nag-start ‘yung roller coaster ride ko sa La Salle.”
The now 6-foot volleyball star proved that it’s never too late to discover one's capability.
For years, the Bulacan native has remained connected to her humble beginnings, even as she continues making waves on and off the court. Now, she’s mastered dealing with two sides of the sword that come with being a popular sports personality.
"Sa ilang years na naglalaro ako natutunan ko na din 'yung mga comments/criticisms na kasama sa paglalaro ko ng volleyball, hindi na mawawala 'yon eh. Pero alam ko na may ibang bagay na hindi deserve ng energy ko, kaya tuloy lang," she said.
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