UNIVERSITY of the East libero Kath Arado knows the pressure that comes with her inclusion to the Philippine women's national volleyball team pool as she vies for a spot in the Southeast Asian Games-bound squad against the likes of La Salle's Dawn Macandili and former Ateneo star Denden Lazaro.
But Arado remains unfazed as she considers it a challenge to improve her game - and an opportunity to prove her worth.
"Sobrang blessed po kasi sa dami ng magagaling nasama ako. Yung mga coaches at committee ng LVPI, may nakita sa akin so kailangan ko i-grab yung opportunity at i-improve sarili para masabi na worthy ako," said Arado after UE lost to University of the Philippines, 25-14, 18-25, 25-15, 25-10 on Wednesday.
"Nandun yung pressure pero challenge din sya sa akin. Sinasabi nga ni coach, pag alam mong maraming magagaling pa sayo, take it as a challenge para malaman mo yung weaknesses mo at ma-improve mo yun," she added.
[See UP breaks four-game slump with four-set win over UE]
Arado said she has modest expectations but vowed to do her best when she begins training with the country's best volleybelles. For now, though, her focus is on helping the Lady Warriors get over the hump in the UAAP.
"Ayoko po muna mag-expect pero I'll try na makuha yung spot. Naka-focus din ako sa UE. Hindi ko naman makukuha goal ko sa national team kung di ko matutulungan mag-improve team ko," said Arado, whose team absorbed its eighth loss in nine games.
Regardless if she makes the cut or not, Arado will bring home an experience that can help her in the long run.
"Sobrang laki ng tulong kasi yung mga malalaman ko mula sa mga pros madadala ko sa UE," said the 18-year-old Lady Warriors libero.