Bella Belen became the first NU player to have her jersey retired, as the Lady Bulldogs immortalized her No. 4 during their UAAP Season 88 pep rally.
Bella Belen could not hold back her tears as National University immortalized her legacy, retiring her iconic jersey No. 4 after more than a decade of dominance with the Lady Bulldogs.
During the pep rally held Thursday ahead of UAAP Season 88, the three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player was front and center at the Mall of Asia Arena Music Hall as her jersey was officially retired by NU.
After the event, Belen shared how overwhelmed and honored she felt with the recognition.
“Siyempre, I'm very happy and overwhelmed din, and I feel so honored na ako 'yung kaunang-unahang NU player,” Belen said an interview shared by the UAAP. “Very unexpected siya. Pero sa ngayon, I'm very happy talaga and thankful na naabot ko ito sa point ko sa career ko.”
Adding to the emotional night was a surprise video tribute featuring congratulatory messages from her former NU coaches, whom Belen credits as pillars of her growth.
These included former head coaches Karl Dimaculangan, Norman Miguel, and Babes Castillo.
“Nagulat ako na may messages sakin. Siyempre, isa sila sa mga naging dahilan kung nasaan man ako ngayon. Kumbaga, talagang tinulungan nila ako makamit 'yung goals ko as a player,” she said.
Belen’s jersey retirement capped off a stellar run that included three straight MVP awards, multiple Best Outside Spiker plums, and back-to-back championships that helped cement NU’s “golden generation” in UAAP women’s volleyball history.
She also joins DLSU's Manilla Santos and FEU's Rachel Anne Daquis as the only women's volleyball players to have their jersey number retired.
Now, the 23-year-old spiker begins a new chapter in her career as she finally makes her professional debut in the PVL with the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
“It's my first time to play sa PVL. Ako na lang yata hindi nakakalaro sa PVL. I'm very excited na mapakita sa PVL kung ano 'yung napag-trabahuan ng Capital1,” said Belen.