Rachel Ann Daquis (left) and Abi Maraño. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Large stand fans circled the old parquet floor attempting to cool off the May summer heat. A dozen lamps lit up Ateneo’s Blue Eagle Gym.
In one corner of the floor, a dozen women stood in a semi-circle listening tentatively to a man of wisdom that countless years of experience gave him.
Of the bunch of ladies ready to represent the Philippines, one smiled.
She is Rachel Ann Daquis, and she is ready to fulfill her dream of playing for the Philippines in the 2015 Singapore Southeast Asian Games.
“It’s still part of the dream. I haven’t fulfilled it yet because the SEA Games haven’t started,” she said after they broke off their huddle.
Daquis is part of the 12-woman lineup that practiced at Ateneo Friday evening.
She once said after their title-clincher at the Philippine Super Liga that her dream was to wear the Philippine tricolor in an international competition.
In June, Daquis will finally fulfill her dream.
Tired from their almost three-hour practice, Daquis struggled to bring her new SEA Game bag but she managed to get help from two Good Samaritans as she walked to her car in the parking lot.
“It’s still volleyball for me,” she said.
It’s still volleyball, but this time she will represent the country for the first time in the SEA Games.