Fil-American winger Jill Santos shares an update on her recovery after undergoing shoulder reconstruction that sidelined her from the DLSU Lady Spikers' UAAP Season 88 campaign
Many fans had been wondering why Fil-American winger Jill Santos was missing from the DLSU Lady Spikers’ roster for UAAP Season 88.
It turns out that the 23-year-old had to forego what would have been her final playing year after undergoing major shoulder surgery in the United States last August.
"Well, I've been doing fine. I had to forego my last playing year at La Salle this current season, 88, because I underwent surgery for an injury that I had," Santos said at the sidelines of the Manila Padel Club event on Friday.
"So, my right shoulder, last August, I had it done and operated on in the US. There was a lot of fixing of my shoulder, basically a reconstruction."
According to Santos, the procedure involved extensive repair work.
"So we fixed my labrum, my bicep tendon, and all the stuff underneath," she shared.
Now six months into her recovery, Santos said her main focus is regaining full strength and returning to peak playing condition.
"So I'm currently six months post-op and you know, I'm doing everything that I can to get back into a healthy playing form," she said.
"I'm not sure what the future holds yet, but you know, I'm always open to the possibilities of whatever comes my way, and you know, just really focusing on the healing process right now."
Despite missing the season, Santos remains a passionate supporter of the Lady Spikers, who have opened Season 88 with a clean 6-0 record.
"I'm such a fan. I am so happy and excited for the girls this season, 88," Santos said.
"I feel like this team has gone through a lot, and they've worked so hard and each match they continuously show that even if it's a younger team, you know, they push together."
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Jill Santos hopes to make more impact as La Salle’s Final Four hopes strengthen]
For Santos, watching from the sidelines has only strengthened her support for her former teammates.
"It's really an inspiring front that they have. And I'm really rooting for them. Animo La Salle, and I'm always here to support them."
La Salle will go for the Round 1 sweep when it faces the defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports)
—
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.