Kate Santiago. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Kate Santiago vows to finish her studies at Adamson University after her “practical decision” to forgo her remaining playing years in the UAAP and turn pro with Farm Fresh in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference starting on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The jolly outside spiker said her move to go pro and bid farewell to her UAAP eligibility was borne out of her desire to help and provide for her family. She left the Lady Falcons along with teammates Trisha Tubu, Ckyle Tagsip, and Cae Lazo.
“Pinili ko muna maging praktikal kasi gusto ko na tumulong sa family. Gusto ko naman ma-experience nila ‘yung may naiaabot ako sa kanila,” Santiago said in a statement.
(I chose to be practical because I want to help my family. I want to experience providing for them.)
Despite jumping to the pros, Santiago, who played two UAAP seasons for Adamson, won’t leave her college degree behind.
“Tuloy pa rin ako sa pagaaral. ‘Yun kasi ang bilin ng owner ng Farm Fresh na tapusin daw namin. Kaya grab the opportunity ako. Pero kahit nasa pro na, excited pa rin talaga ako matuto. Hindi ko sasayangin tong opportunity,” she said.
(I will continue my studies because that’s what the Farm Fresh owner wants for us. I grabbed this opportunity but even though I’m already in the pros, I’m excited to learn. I will not waste this opportunity.)
Santiago, Adamson’s top bet for the MVP as she was eighth in the race with 62.1 statistical points in Season 85, will boost the Foxies bannered by the core of two-time NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde led by Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, and Cloanne Mondoñedo as well as former Ateneo middle blockers Joan Narit and Pia Ildefonso.
CHASING DREAMS
Ckyle Tagsip. –UAAP PHOTO
Tagsip, who was instrumental as the Lady Falcons’ backup middle blocker, said she turned pro to fulfill her dream before trying to become a flight attendant in the next few years.
“I’m forever thankful to my Adamson family, especially that they understood that I have to grab this chance while I am still young. Because in a few years, I will chase my other dream to become a flight attendant,” Tagsip said in a statement. “And I feel like this is an opportunity I will regret not grabbing if I chose otherwise.”
Farm Fresh makes its PVL debut on opening day against F2 Logistics.
The Foxies are grouped in Pool B with Petro Gazz, F2 Logistics, Choco Mucho, Cignal, and fellow new team Foton.