‘Ms. Volleyball’ grateful that liberos are put on spotlight with PSA citation

Dawn Macandili. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Dawn Macandili really lived up to her nickname.

The diminutive lass known as Ms. Everywhere once again etched her mark in sporting history when she earned the Ms. Volleyball laurel in the PSA Awards Night Tuesday at Manila Hotel.

And in another twist of fate, Macandili was the first libero to be given such an honor.

“I still can’t believe that I would be given this award because liberos aren’t usually given recognition,” said Macandili in Filipino. “It’s just recently that our roles have been noticed.”

“I’m really thankful that, somehow, our efforts that we give to our teams are being highlighted.”

Macandili first made history when she was named as the 2nd Best Libero in the AVC Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship and she carried that plum with her when the Philippines competed in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.

La Salle’s defensive dynamo added that the award was a testament to her belief in head coach Ramil De Jesus’ system and a program that has so far produced 10 titles in the UAAP.

And Macandili wasn’t the first La Sallian to be given the Ms. Volleyball nod as former captain Mika Reyes was awarded the same trophy in 2017.

“Of course I’m not the first athlete under La Salle that was produced under coach Ramil’s system that became a multi-awarded player,” said Macandili. “It’s like I’m just fulfilling coach Ramil’s prophecy.”