For libero-skipper Roma Doromal, there's simply nothing quite like being a student in your dream school, let alone having the honor of captaining the Blue Eagles in her final UAAP season.
As she rides into the sunset in what was a rollercoaster run for Ateneo, Doromal carried no regrets in a collegiate career that she’ll long cherish as a ‘dream come true.’
“Being an Ateneo student, it’s the best. Siyempre first kasi dream school ko ‘to and hindi ko nga actually ma-explain kung gaano ka-best eh. Super the best talaga for me ‘yung playing for my dream school, studying for my dream school,” Doromal shared to SPIN.ph.
“Being in Ateneo, this is a dream come true.”
Exemplifying the 'Ateneo way' throughout her journey in the college ranks, serving as a source of inspiration and dedication to her team and the Ateneo community, is the lesson the libero-captain values most as an Atenean.
“I feel like ‘yung one thing is ‘yung pagiging woman for others, serving (others). I think ‘yun ‘yung talagang natutunan ko — to serve my team, to serve other people, and to help them all the way,” said Doromal.
Unwavering loyalty to Ateneo
Upon confirming her plans to turn pro following her final season with Ateneo, Doromal reflected on what the future holds for the Blue Eagles’ ace libero after a double-double defensive season with 14.1 excellent receptions and 13.4 excellent digs across 14 elimination round matches played.
There were no regrets whatsoever for Doromal. as she fulfilled her goal of leading Ateneo’s young guns toward growth and improvement and leave a lasting legacy for years and seasons to come.
“Nu’ng nag-decide naman ako na mag-stay (for my final playing year) is hinanap ko talaga ‘yung purpose ko. In staying sa (Ateneo), nakita ko ‘yung purpose ko na i-help sila,” said Doromal.
Knowing how her contributions won’t revolve on offense, Doromal made it a point to raise the bar on defense and deliver on the intangibles for a young and rebuilding Blue Eagles side.
“As a libero din, ‘yun lang naman talaga ‘yung support na mabibigay ko sa kanila. Hindi ako makaka give ng points but nandun ako para sa kanila all the way,” said Doromal..
“‘Yun siguro ‘yung pinaka-success for me — ‘yung na-help ko sila na mag-grow sa bagong system at magamay nila ‘yung system para maipakita nila kung gaano talaga sila kagaling.”
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