Dale Gorospe: Living the La Salle dream

As the second semester of UAAP Season 77 commences, veteran athletes would not be the only ones battling all out, but rookies of a new breed are ready to play, hoping to make a name for themselves in the collegiate level. With DLSU looking to seize another General Championship crown, it would need the effort and determination of all its athletes to secure the elusive trophy for a third straight time.

Failing to make a podium finish in last season’s UAAP tournament, the Green Tennisters look to improve, citing the maturity and experience gained from last season as their advantage. With only one rookie added to the team, it would take less time for both the rookie and the squad to get a hang of things. Dale Gorospe, a former high school standout at Notre Dame of Marbel University, is that promising lone rookie for the Green Tennisters.

Hailing all the way from South Cotabato, Gorospe mentioned that La Salle has always been his dream school, and playing the game he loves while donning the Green-and-White uniform is a feat that he would always be thankful for.

As a youngster, Gorospe discovered the game of tennis while watching his dad and his family play on the court. Watching his family members have fun and enjoy, Gorospe eventually tried the sport for himself. Coupled with an innate talent in the sport, Gorospe’s hard work came with staggering results, such as winning the regionals championship last year in South Cotabato while playing for his high school alma mater.

Although pumped up for his first season with La Salle, Gorospe does not see tennis as something that he would entirely pursue after college, saying that he would be giving utmost importance to his studies along with his training. He is currently taking a degree in Chemistry, but plans to shift to BS Marketing Management which better suits his interests.

Gorospe’s study habits also reflect the way he is on and off the court. “Nag do-double time ako para magawa ko yung best ko, para tumaas yung level and discipline ko.” says Gorospe. His view on doubling your efforts to achieve your desired results is a great lesson that he could share with his team.

As a native of South Cotabato, it took a while for Gorospe to grasp the buzzing life of Metro Manila, jokingly saying, “Siguro differences marami, dito traffic”. However, with the help of his teammates, he says that he eventually got used to life in Taft Avenue and Metro Manila. He currently resides in a dormitory near DLSU’s Enrique Razon Sports Complex to ease travel.

Although miles apart from his family, Gorospe says that they keep in touch with him regularly, mentioning that the distance does not seem like much of a burden anymore.

With the UAAP Tennis Tournament set to start in January, the Tennisters are more than ready to play their hearts out and for Gorospe, his first strike of his racquet as part of La Salle’s varsity team will be his most memorable for the time being. When the UAAP Season 77 tennis wars begin in the coming weeks, Gorospe’s dream of suiting up for La Salle will finally come true.