Khy Cepada embraces leadership role as UE leans on rookies in UAAP Season 88

Another reset season awaits the UE Lady Red Warriors.

But for senior Khy Cepada, UAAP Season 88 is less about the past and more about stepping into a role she's still learning to own.

With the Lady Red Warriors fielding nine rookies this year, Cepada suddenly finds herself among the team's anchors—an adjustment she admits hasn’t been easy after years of looking up to seniors.

"Parang nakakapanibago po talaga," Cepada told One Sports. "Sanay po ako na may ate akong nilo-look up, may seniors na nandiyan sa tabi ko. Ngayon parang biglang, oh my God, ate na ako. Kailangan ko na mag-lead by example."

Despite the youth movement, expectations inside the UE camp remain grounded. 

Under returning head coach Jumbo Dimaculangan, who previously coached the Lady Warriors in Seasons 84 and 85, the focus has been on effort and consistency rather than outcomes.

"Gaya nga po ng sinasabi lagi ni coach Jumbo, we just need to do our best sa lahat ng ginagawa namin," Cepada said. "Training man po 'yan, weight training—kailangan 100 percent lagi."

The UE Lady Red Warriors during the UAAP Season 88 media day. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports

Confidence, however, hasn’t been lost amid the overhaul. 

Cepada believes the mix of rookies and holdovers can still push UE forward after a difficult Season 87 that ended with a 0–14 record—the program's first winless campaign since 2015.

Aside from Cepada, the Lady Warriors will bank on seniors Angelica Reyes, Van Bangayan, Ashley Cañete, and Bea Zamudio, who were retained from last season.

"I am very confident po," she said. "May tiwala po ako sa teammates ko. Tsaka malaking boost po 'yung five seniors na natira. Malaki po talaga 'yung tiwala ko sa kanila."

UE will begin its Season 88 women’s volleyball campaign against the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.

Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.