UAAP: Degree earned, Bella Belen also has crown within her reach
NU Lady Bulldogs’ Bella Belen during a UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals game against La Salle Lady Spikers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball Finals Game 1 – May 11, 2025
MANILA, Philippines —Two days before the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball finals, Bella Belen already secured her biggest win as a student-athlete, graduating with a degree in Psychology from National University.
Belen, along with fellow Lady Bulldogs Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring, marched at the SMX Convention Center on Friday. She called it the greatest gift she could give herself and her family after years of balancing studies and volleyball.
Two days later, Belen unleashed 19 points, 15 digs, and 10 excellent receptions to lead NU past La Salle, 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17, in Game 1 on Sunday in front of 15,192 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum — putting the Lady Bulldogs a win away from a third title in four seasons.
READ: UAAP Finals: NU a win away from title repeat, beats La Salle
“I’m really happy because getting a diploma isn’t easy for any student. It’s one of the biggest goals for all of us. And even though some people think we only pass because we’re student-athletes. That’s not true. We study hard too, we stay up late, we put in the effort,” Belen told reporters in Filipino.
“So I’m really proud to have earned my diploma from NU.”
Understanding teammates better
Bella Belen talks about earning her psychology degree. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/8Ml8Ee5Q37
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025
Juggling obtaining her Psychology degree with collegiate volleyball and national team duties, the two-time UAAP MVP shared how her studies gave her a better perspective on the game.
READ: What drives Bella? A winning end to storied UAAP career
“Studying psychology helps me a lot, especially because I understand my teammates well as players and as people. I understand how to approach them when they’re down or not in the mood. Every athlete is different, some need calm words, others need a push. Me, I like it when I’m approached gently.”
“So being a Psych graduate helps me think better on the court too. When the game is close, I don’t panic. I always believe there’s a solution. I try to keep my mindset positive no matter what.”
Going out with a bang
NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate after beating La Salle Lady Spikers in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
On Wednesday, the star outside hitter has a chance to end her UAAP career with another championship and possibly another MVP plum.
“I don’t even know how to explain how that would feel, but it’s really our goal this year — to graduate and win back-to-back championships,” said Belen.
“This would definitely rank at the very top for me. Every team is so competitive. Each season, the level of play goes up. And this season hasn’t been easy for us either. We’ve had our ups and downs, lost some games, and faced a lot of challenges. So if we win this one, it would mean everything.”
Belen remained locked in on her team’s improvement, knowing the hardest part is closing out the series especially against a team like La Salle–a fellow champion led by a legendary coach.
“We know it won’t be easy. La Salle is a strong, competitive team. You could see that in the game earlier when they took a set from us. But I’m super proud of my teammates for bouncing back after that third set,” she said.
She also hopes her graduation serves as inspiration for fellow student-athletes.
“It’s not impossible. Even with a packed training schedule and classes, you just need to work hard and manage your time well. Set your priorities — because if you do, you’ll eventually graduate, too,” she said.
