With sights set on U23 team, UE’s Kath Arado ‘surprised’ to make seniors pool

Kath Arado. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Kath Arado is one step closer into getting international tour of duty.

University of the East’s sturdy libero was chosen to be part of the talent pool for the Philippine National Women’s Volleyball Team that Larong Volleyball Ng Pilipinas Inc. announced on Friday.

Arado, thrilled with her new accomplishment, said she was surprised after being named to the pool, where the final lineup for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games will be chosen since she never even intended to join the seniors’ squad.

The UAAP’s reigning Best Digger and Best Receiver tried out for the Under-23 team and she kept telling Kung Fu Reyes, the head coach of the U23 squad, that she has no intentions of joining the seniors.

And yet, Arado’s in the place senior coaches Shaq Delos Santos, Reyes, and Brian Esquibel believe she belongs.

“Actually, I was surprised when I read my name because I went to the tryouts hoping to become part of the U23 team and I even told coach Kung Fu and coach Brian about it,” said Arado Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre after UE lost to De La Salle, 25-18, 25-20, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.

“Now I don’t know what the coaches have lined up for me but whatever their decision is I’ll always bring it.”

Arado wasn’t the only Lady Warrior chosen to don the Philippine colors in international competition with teammates Judith Abil and Mary Ann Mendrez being part of the U23 pool.

“I’m happy that us three were chosen and of course I’m happy for my teammates because we tried out simultaneously and we were able to perform well,” said Arado.

The 5-foot-5 libero added that her inclusion to the national team pool is a big boost for her and her volleyball career especially now that she’s in her last year with UE.

“This is a huge help for me because now I can know what are the areas that I can still improve on and what I have to do to get better at it,” said Arado. “I have to do this to make sure I still have my confidence with me and the experience that I can get is also a big help.”