Maddie Madayag looks at back her journey to being one of Ateneo’s leaders

Maddie Madayag. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—It’s been quite a journey for Maddie Madayag in the five years she’s been with Ateneo.

From being one of the quiet supporters in the bench area during her first two years, she’s slowly risen the ranks and is now one of the Lady Eagles’ most prominent leaders to earn the co-captain spot with Bea De Leon.

And now that she’s entering the final UAAP season of her career, Madayag can’t help but acknowledge the change she herself underwent.

READ: Madayag to Ateneo doubters: ‘Watch this season and see us play’

“Before we just followed and did what Ate Ly said or did,” said Madayag in Filipino Friday at Blue Eagle Gym. “We just did what we were told to.”

Maddie Madayag says leadership in Ateneo is not just placed on her shoulders with teammates Kat Tolentino and Bea De Leon there to guide the team with her. pic.twitter.com/C6BVygSDm0

— Bong Lozada (@BongLozada92) February 1, 2019

Madayag was talking about Alyssa Valdez, Ateneo’s most successful women’s volleyball player with three MVPs and two championships in the UAAP, who led the team during the middle part of the decade.

Everything started from Valdez and youngsters like Madayag had to follow the leader.

If Valdez’ had nearly individual share of the leadership during her time, the case couldn’t be said for Madayag, De Leon and the other seniors in the team.

READ: Madayag wants to set example for young stars

“There are a lot of us leading the team,” said Madayag who’s finishing her Interdisciplinary Studies course in Ateneo. “I have Kat [Tolentino], there’s Bea, Kim [Gequillana], and Ponggay [Gaston].”

“There’s constant communication between us on how we can all help the team become better.”