NATIONAL U’s star skipper has made it official.
Bella Belen will move on from Sampaloc after three championships and three season MVP wins in four seasons.
READ: NU imposes will on La Salle for third title in last four seasons
She leaves the UAAP also with two titles for NU-Nazareth School in the juniors’ ranks and delivering instant impact in the collegiate level as the first-ever women’s volleyball rookie-MVP in Season 84.
From a decorated past to a title-winning present, what does the future hold for Belen?
SPIN.ph caught wind shortly after the title series that she has narrowed down her options to two broad paths.
For the generational talent, it will either be the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft or an overseas stint.
But as it stands, her future remains an either-or situation, as the draft application deadline is on May 23 — nine days from the Lady Bulldogs' title win.
“As of now, hindi ko pa alam,” Belen said moments before being crowned back-to-back champions.
“Siguro, ise-celebrate muna namin ‘tong pagkapanalo namin today. Titignan po natin kung ano ang susunod na kabanata ni Bella.”
Bella proves impossible is nothing
Wherever the future may be for Belen, her evolution as a player and as a person has left her in awe, just like the rest of the Philippine volleyball community that bore witness to her meteoric rise inthe sport.
“Sobrang proud din ako sa sarili ko kasi nakita ko kung paano ako nag-grow as a person simula nung rookie year ko sa UAAP,” Belen said.
“Malaki ang naitulong sa’kin ng UAAP, hindi lang sa paglalaro kundi as a person din talaga. Hindi ko makakalimutan ‘yung apat na taon ko sa UAAP.”
What Belen would want her legacy to be for National U is plain and simple — carrying the belief that anything and any dream is valid.
“Walang imposible. Lahat, kayang pagtrabahuan at pagtiyagaan. Hindi naman lahat ng atleta, pinanganak na magaling. Kailangan lang talagang magsumikap at magtiwala sa sarili,” the NU captain said.
“I’m very happy kasi hindi ako binetray ng hard work ko. Isa na rin ‘yun na maipakita sa mga younger generations na lahat posible.”
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