Thrust to leadership role, Gel Cayuna shows her worth for Lady Tams

FEU setter veteran setter Gel Cayuna. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University coach George Pascua didn’t have to do much thinking as to who the Lady Tamaraws next captain will be after the departure of then skipper Jerrili Malabanan.

Pascual had no doubt that her veteran setter Gel Cayuna more than fits the bill.

“I saw all the qualities of a leader in her. She’s a nice person, knows how to follow instructions and she has the ability to carry a team with how she leads and with her discipline,” Pascua said in Filipino.

Cayuna’s leadership was on full display Tuesday when she spearheaded the Lady Tamaraws’ blowout win over University of the East.

“I keep telling her that as a leader, you need to be effective by showing it in your actions and once you’re able to show your teammates that you can lead by example, they will know that you’re accepting that responsibility,” Pascua said.

“She’s the playmaker and she needs to be strong willed so that her teammates will support her with her decision making.”

Taking her coach’s advice to heart, the graduating Cayuna scored nine points and had 18 excellent sets.

“I’m doubling my efforts to make up for what’s lacking. My teammates are also helping me that’s why it’s not that hard for me to adjust,” said Cayuna, who is also filling in the role left by Kyle Negrito.