Is UE’s rookie the next Rachel Daquis?

Seth Marione Rodriguez. Photo by Jilson Tiu/INQUIRER

When Seth Marione Rodriguez debuts in the UAAP, it won’t just be about a rookie proving she has game. This 5-foot-10 stunner also bears the added pressure of living up to one of volleyball’s original poster girls.

Rodriguez has just started feeling comfortable on court and now fans have billed her as the next Rachel Anne Daquis, a comparison that the University of the East rookie isn’t quite sure about yet.

“I feel very flattered, pressured and happy,” said Rodriguez, describing the mixed emotions she gets on the tag that she’s in the mold of Daquis, who effortlessly exudes beauty, grace and power.

“Coach said I shouldn’t be conscious every time I’m on court,” said Rodriguez. “He said if I get conscious, I wouldn’t be able to play well.”

The 17-year-old head-turner—whose modelling career needs to take a backseat— doesn’t mind that she opted to strut her stuff on court instead of the catwalk.

But Rodriguez hopes when she makes her mark in the game, she gets to juggle everything she loves.

“Maybe there’s a chance that I’ll get to play, study and model,” said Rodriguez. “I always think that I should do well in my training, so I can do all three at the same time.”

Daquis, the former Far Eastern University star who continues to headline commercial leagues and magazine covers, also hopes Rodriguez makes her own name in any field she chooses.

“I hope I can be an inspiration, that she thinks ‘I can be an Ate Rachel,’” said Daquis. “But of course, it’s better to have your own identity.”

Daquis also offers an advice as Rodriguez steps into the spotlight.

“In everything you do, put God in the center,” said Daquis. “And whatever happens, stay humble.”

Although Rodriguez has been playing volleyball for only a year, the Caviteña beauty has always been athletic.

“I used to play for our badminton varsity,” shared Rodriguez, who graduated high school in Del Pilar Academy.

“But I’ve adjusted. The training for badminton and volleyball are almost the same–you need discipline.”