NU-Nazareth School head coach Camilla Escoto mourned the loss of Ashlyn Abong, who died at the young age of 18 years old.
NU-Nazareth girls basketball head coach Camilla Escoto honored the memory of late NUNS player Ashlyn Abong, who passed away on Friday at the early age of 18 after collapsing while playing basketball.
Abong, who also played for the Gilas Pilipinas Women youth team, was in practice at National University when she collapsed. Abong was brought to the hospital immediately but did not make it.
[READ:
Gilas Women Youth’s Ashlyn Abong passes away at 18]
On social media, Abong received multiple tributes from teammates, coaches, and the whole Philippine women’s basketball community, after she showed tremendous promise early in her basketball career both with NUNS and Gilas.
But Escoto, who mentored Abong in the UAAP, was among those closest to the 18-year-old.
“You will always be my pride and joy, bong. I’m thankful for the opportunity to have seen you grow and mature the past years with NU, not just as an athlete, but most importantly, as a person,” wrote Escoto.
“The way you light a room with your smile and energy is just contagious," she added.
Abong was part of the NUNS squad that finished as runner-up in the UAAP Season 87 girls’ basketball tournament, falling against the UST girls high school team.
Abong’s loss prompted NUNS to cancel all their scheduled activities — including an overseas trip.
“I will always be proud of the life you have lived. Mahal na mahal kita, bong! My favorite big man!” said Escoto.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas likewise honored Abong for her contributions to the national team. She played twice before for the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s U18 team — including last year in the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B where they successfully got promoted to Division A.
“We are stunned and heartbroken by the sudden passing of Ashlyn Abong,” wrote the SBP.
“We lost a young and committed athlete who always said yes to representing the country. We send love and prayers to Ashlyn’s entire family in this difficult time,” they said.