The 2009 edition of the DLSU Lady Booters could be considered one of the luckiest “unlucky” teams in the history of UAAP Football.
Season MVP and Team Captain Sam Nierras elaborated, “It seemed like this dark cloud was hovering over us, and we were never going to get anywhere, but what made that team so special was despite everything that happened to us, we played football.”
With all the turmoil hovering around the team, the Lady Booters won the championship that year, capping off a series of unfortunate events with the unlikeliest result. Led by Nierras, the Lady Booters defied the odds, leaving all the turmoil off the field to play with everything in every game.
Nierras added, “We just played the game, and we let go of all the problems when we stepped on the field. We forgot the fights and disregarded all the critics saying we’d be lucky to get 3rd place that year. We just played and we won.”
Testament to hard work
Nierras worked exceptionally hard for her team and dominated the midfield during games.
When asked about the title, Nierras responded, “I didn’t wake up every morning and put in my best effort with the agenda of getting MVP. I did it because I just always make it a point to give my all in anything I choose to do. That does not take away the honor I felt when receiving the award. It was a sign that people recognize the hard work I put in for the team.”
From the feat of winning the 2010 UAAP MVP award to the honor brought by receiving her college diploma, Nierras’ family has always been supportive. In fact, her family introduced her to the sport.
Away from the Green-and-White
The former Lady Booter currently plays for the Philippines’ National Women’s Football Team, known as the Malditas. She also played for the 19-under national team since she was 14 so she is no stranger to the international stage.
She expounded, “It is definitely a lot different playing for the Malditas [compared to DLSU]. There is much more pressure on you when you’re representing an entire country.”
By 2015, the Malditas will be participating in the Women’s World Cup and all eyes will be on Nierras as she bears the weight of the country’s hope.
She ended, “Singing the national anthem knowing that how you play will bring honor to your country is one of the most overwhelming feelings I have ever experienced.”
