Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kat Tolentino is leaving Ateneo a champion.
The Lady Eagles’ talisman has decided to forgo her fifth year of collegiate eligibility on the same day they ruled over the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament and defeated University of Santo Tomas for the title.
Tolentino announced her decision after the Lady Eagles’ thanksgiving mass at the Church of the Gesu Saturday.
“I just want to say how blessed and thankful I am to God that I am not just an athlete who had three ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries,” said Tolentino.
“But one can finally say that I’m an athlete with three ACL injuries and one absolutely unforgettable championship, and one Ateneo family forever.”
READ: Tolentino overcomes 3 ACL tears on way to 1st UAAP title
Tolentino, Season 81’s Best Opposite Hitter, started her collegiate career with the Lady Eagles in the worst way having suffered three ACL tears that kept her out in Season 78.
She eventually made her debut in Season 79 and became Ateneo’s best offensive threat in 2019 scoring a total of 266 points throughout the tournament.
“This is Kat Tolentino, number 10, signing off.”