Mika Reyes & Red Christensen: Stepping into the spotlight

Volleyball season is on its way once again. As La Salle has already reclaimed the men’s and women’s basketball crown, hopes are high for the Taft-based Spikers, the Lady Spikers being the queens of the league for the past three years, and the Green Spikers committing to clinch the gold this time around.

A whirlwind of two seasons has gone by for the much-renowned Lady Spiker Mika Reyes. Starting from a breakthrough rookie year in UAAP Season 74, Reyes has established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the court. Towering at the frontline of the La Salle squad, her presence translates into multiple blocks and strong attacks to the dismay of their opponents. Much of her experience from her two seasons (and two championships) with the Lady Spikers has provided her with the depth of the game to further polish her admirable volleyball prowess.

And now, as her team is gunning for their fourth straight title in the UAAP, Reyes shares how determination and improvement are the names of her game coming into her third season with the De La Salle Lady Spikers.

“Ang big role ko [sa team] is to maintain yung level na nilalaro ko since nung rookie year ko. Kailangan pang i-improve yun kasi third playing year ko dapat yung laro ko pang-third playing year na din yung level, Reyes remarks.

“Dapat may determination ako. Dapat may confidence ako para ma-influence ko din sila [teammates] inside and outside the court,” she adds.

With the team also encountering some major changes in the roster arising from the graduation of some key players, Reyes admits that she found some difficulty adjusting to the new rotation. “Aminado ako nahirapan ako nung nawala si Ate Michele Gumabao kasi siya yung kasama ko palagi sa frontline.”

But with the team working together, the La Salle squad has pulled themselves together, ready to begin the season on a high note. “Mahirap mag-adjust pero malapit na kami. Andun na kami, pina-polish na lang,” Reyes furthers.  

When asked about what she expects about their opponents this season, Reyes humbly remarks, “Palakihan na lang ng puso inside the game”.

World Teacher’s Day is over but for Red Christensen, it’s not too late to recall the contribution of one of his former educators in the sport he is venturing today. Way back as a high school freshman, Christensen’s homeroom teacher at that time encouraged him to try out for their school’s volleyball team. Since then, his homeroom teacher has been a big part of Christensen’s inspiration in playing volleyball.

Now on his fourth playing year for the Green Spikers, the AB-SPM major sees himself not just a veteran player spiking and blocking on the court but a brother to his teammates. “To be a brother inside and outside the court,” says Christensen on what will be his significant role in the coming season.

“We have many talented rookies and sophomores [and] I want to help them to reach their full potential as players,” he adds.

A night before their game, Christensen reviews in his mind their past good games, their training and the team’s game play. This helps him build up his mindset so that he can contribute and improve more for his team come game day.

Last season, Christensen received co-MVP honors along with Mark Alfafara of the UST Growling Tigers. Despite of achieving such prestige recognition, Christensen doesn’t put any pressure in his head. “No pressure at all. In fact, I’m taking it as a challenge to prove them that I’m really worth it for that title,” he says.

A new set of coaching staff will handle the Green Spikers for the coming season and Christensen sees that they can lead the team towards a brighter path this year especially the championship. Christensen explains, “The way magturo yung new coaches namin, pinaparami nila yung mga positive possibilities ‘pag naglalaro kami. We’re looking forward to play for the championship this season.”