ATENEO’S Cebuana ace Deanna Wong admitted that the departure of the team’s long-time head coach, Tai Bundit, would have an impact on her and perhaps, each and every single one of the Lady Eagles.
Heading to UAAP Season 80, Wong had big shoes to fill with the departure of top setter Jia Morado. However, not only did she fit snugly into her newfound role, she managed to blaze a path of her own as she won the UAAP’s Best Setter award this season.
It was a huge feat that was made possible, in part, by the rigid training sessions of Bundit.
“I think it will affect us a lot. For me, the past three years, I have gotten used to his trainings so it’ll be difficult at first to adjust to our now coach, whoever it may be and the system we use during practices,” shared the comely Cebuana setter who won this season’s award on the strength of her average of 8.54 excellents per set.
Upon hearing of the official news on Monday, Wong said she met it with disbelief after heading to this season with modest expectations.
“I feel shocked because I didn’t expect much this season but it’s an honor to be able to receive such an award,” the former University of San Jose-Recoletos player said.
Wong also pointed to her becoming more mature, both as a person and as a player, as key to her huge strides this past season.
“I think with how I played and how I matured as a person and as a player. It took me those things to overcome my fear and the challenges I would face,” Wong added.
Nevertheless, Wong remained critical of her play especially when it comes to improving on her consistency, which would be key if they are to compete for the championship after flaming out in the Final Four this season.
“I mean it’s a great thing to receive such an award but my main goal is the championship. I have to be more confident din and keep on practicing to improve and be better each day,” said Wong.
But with this season over and their team’s leadership uncertain, Wong is choosing to keep things simple.
“As of now, I just want to go back to training and train to prepare us for next season. I just want to keep on practicing and we’ll bounce back,” Wong remarked.
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