Shevana Laput and the DLSU Lady Spikers are staying focused on what matters the most as they embark on another rigorous journey for UAAP Season 88.
In the world of Philippine volleyball, only a handful of teams have a bigger fanbase than the DLSU Lady Spikers.
But along with the support and love, there are also criticisms, and unhelpful interactions that have caused more harm than good for the long-time UAAP powerhouse.
With time passing, Shevana Laput and the rest of the Lady Spikers have grown used to these types of outside pressures.
Rather than feel small behind the words and lashings of their critics, La Salle has learned to focus on the opinions of those who truly matter.
As she steps into the role of captain, Laput has reminded her teammates to keep looking inward, and listen to voices that encourage and push them to be better.
“We just focus on ourselves. We focus on what matters, and that's each other. We focus on getting up every day and doing what we do best, playing volleyball, and doing it for the love of the sport. There's always going to be people who love us. There's always going to be people who hate us,” Laput said.
“But at the end of the day, we have to realize who actually matters. And the ones that matter right now are our coaches, are ourselves, and, of course, the true supporters of LaSalle,” she added.
On a personal note, Laput is dealing with some changes, now tasked to lead the team on an official basis with the underline on her jersey number.
Despite some initial nerves, Laput realized that she had been doing this all along, even if it did not come with the official label of being “team captain."
Collaborating with her fellow seniors, Laput is confident that she and the rest of the veterans can keep the team steady for UAAP Season 88.
“At first, when I got the captaincy, I was worried and felt like I had this whole big weight on my shoulders. But then I realized that I have been a captain before. I have been a leader inside the court. So, honestly, for me, I'm going to do exactly what I've been doing,” she said.
“And at the end of the day, it's not only me. I have my batchmates. I have Angel [Canino], Lyka [De Leon], Amie [Provido]. We're all leading the team into this campaign.”
Aiming at gold
Whenever you have a program as successful as the Lady Spikers, it’s hard not to have expectations.
For Laput, working towards finishing on top is almost second nature. Despite recent struggles in the battle for the trophy, there’s still that brimming confidence that the tried-and-tested program of head coach Ramil de Jesus has got plenty left in the tank.
With herself and the likes of Canino and Provido still at the helm, La Salle has more than enough firepower to go around and conquer the UAAP once again.
“The expectation, of course, is to win the championship. And I know that is something we are capable of,” Laput said.
“But, of course, at the end of the day, making sure we go this season one game at a time. We can't rush… This isn't a sprint. This is a marathon. We have to work to the very end. So taking it one game at a time.”
And the first game comes on Valentine’s Day, February 14, when the Lady Spikers face fellow contender FEU Lady Tamaraws at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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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.