Among the stalwarts of UST volleyball during her collegiate career, Sisi Rondina returned to her roots in the opening of UAAP Season 88.
PVL star Sisi Rondina paid homage to where she started in her career as she was among four torchbearers during the grand opening ceremonies of UAAP Season 88 at season host UST’s España campus on Friday evening.
Rondina, currently in training with Alas Pilipinas for beach volleyball, squeezed in the festivities in her busy schedule in an effort to give back to her former school, whom she led to the women’s volleyball finals back in UAAP Season 81.
In an interview with media, Rondina spoke about the experience of returning to UST, no matter how long it has been since she graduated.
[READ:
UST kicks off Season 88 with festive opening ceremonies in España campus]
“Sobrang grateful na naging part ako ng opening ngayon sa Season 88. Masaya [ako] kasi sobrang magandang balikan yung UST talaga. Lalong-lalo na maganda yung memories na na-create mo dito especially sa career mo.” she said.
In Season 81, Rondina clinched the season MVP award in what was her final year with the Tigresses.
Together with then-Rookie of the Year Eya Laure, she helped UST finish as runners-up in that tournament against eventual champions Ateneo Blue Eagles.
UST’s impact
Rondina joined other UST products like EJ Obiena, Jervy Cruz, and judoka Sydney Sy in the torch relay which signaled the start of the UAAP season.
For Rondina, it was a fitting homage to her alma mater which contributed greatly to her current career.
A homegrown talent of the España squad, Rondina said that she owed everything that she had in volleyball to UST’s program.
“Sobrang thankful talaga ako sa mga natutunan ko dito sa UST, most especially sa mga naging mentors ko dito, coaches. Sila talaga yung dahilan bakit may pangalan ako ngayon din talaga sa career ko ngayon.” said Rondina.
“Lahat lang din naman, credits lang din talaga sa UST kasi kung wala ang UST, wala lang din naman ako dito. Ayun, kung ano lang yun din yung mga natutunan ko, ina-apply ko lang din sa current commitment ko.” she continued.
The opening ceremony also featured a parade of student-athletes across all eight member schools.
Performances included UST product Sarah Geronimo and Kean Cipriano with other highlights marked by a drone show, fireworks, and the Hope Concert.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.