Breaking free from the shadows: The unheralded heroes of DLSU sports

For any sports team, winning a game in whatever league or tournament is always a gift. Every member of the squad is grateful for all of the team’s achievements, as they are the sweet fruits of all their sacrifices and hard work. But what most people forget is the idea that more than being thankful for a victory, a team always appreciates the effort given by every player regardless of the fame, popularity and the spotlight.

In lieu of the celebration of the Christmas season, The LaSallian sheds light on some of DLSU’s unheralded heroes, whose untiring efforts inside and outside of the competition are a continuous inspiration for their teams.

Lady Spiker Camille Cruz

Gone are the days that DLSU Lady Spiker Camille Cruz is just known as the younger sister of La Salle volleyball legend Charleen “Cha” Cruz as she finally paved the way for her biggest break so far in the UAAP. During the first match of the Lady Spikers this season against the AdU Lady Falcons, the younger Cruz ignited the fire for her team, which had a slow start early in the first set. “Noong time na tinawag ako and pinalaro, inisip ko na yes, it’s a break din for me,” Cruz recalls, who tallied a total of 10 points off the bench. The outside hitter added that she just enjoyed the game and seized the opportunity to play while starting outside hitter Cyd Demecillo was recovering from German measles at the time.

Being around several family members inclined to sports, Cruz originally played badminton as her mother used to play the sport. But when she was invited to play volleyball and have some practices, she eventually loved the sport and continued to play up to the collegiate level.

Cruz draws strength from her devotion, reading the bible and listening to Christian songs to relax her especially during game day. Her motivation also comes from their senior players as well as the alumni like former team captain Abigail Marano.

For bench players, Cruz shared that it’s not easy for them to get a lot of playing time during the game as they have to prove to head coach Ramil De Jesus as early as training that they are ready to play come game day. However, she always make it a point that she always give her best and do whatever is required of her regardless of the number of minutes given to her. “Gagawin namin yung best para makatulong. Hindi man kami magcontribute a lot like our starters, pero we know na sa maliit na time, gagawin namin yun happily and of course, nag-eenjoy kami,” Cruz says.

Green Fencer Jairus Quevada

A dedicated basketball player since grade school, Jairus Quevada of the DLSU Green Fencers never planned on playing fencing in the collegiate level. “I’ll just try pero I really didn’t devote myself na I’ll do my best here in fencing. Parang try ko lang kung magustuhan ko,” Quevada says on how he initially responded to the invitation of his elder sister to play the sport.

However, with the achievements of his sister in fencing and the dedication given to him by his coach, Quevada eventually decided to continue what he has started with the sport by joining the team. He adds, “Yung lessons, yun yung parang nagchange ng mind ko na wow pinaprioritize ako ng coach. Parang may nakita siyang kakaiba sakin.”

As one of the senior players, Quevada sees himself as an elder brother to his teammates, always ready to help and teach them, especially the younger players. He also wants so serve as a good example to them not just in the sport but also in academics. The incoming fourth year player was supposed to be the team captain last year but he refused to be in the position as he wanted to become better and improve more in fencing. “Kahit hindi nila ako team captain, napapakita ko sa kanila na I’m still their kuya,” he shares.

For Quevada, being an unheralded hero is being a leader in his own way, inspiring his teammates to always do their best and never give up in every competition. “Meron kang sariling experiences na nashe-share sa kanila para ma-motivate sila [at] para hindi sila ma-down,” he explains.

Green Tennister Kyle Parpan

As early as the young age of five, Kyle Parpan of the DLSU Green Tennisters already knows the right way of holding a tennis racquet. His father, who was a Class B player in tennis, was his first mentor in the sport. He used to play along with his brothers but it turned out that he was the only one who continued playing up to the higher level.

Just on his second year of playing in the UAAP, Parpan believes that his traits of being a good source of motivation of the team and wanting to contribute more makes him stand out. Moreover, he wants to help his squad by just simply doing his game.

This young tennister indeed has the drive to do very well for his team as he does extra workout and training even after their team’s practice. “I know my weaknesses. I know na may kulang pa,” Parpan explains. With all these at hand, he tries to work them out as early as possible to be a hundred percent ready come game day.

Parpan feels the pressure of the competition since he is not just carrying his own name but the name of the school as well. Nevertheless, he did not let the pressure get into his head and just continued on doing what he does best. “We have to give our best para pagdating ng season, we’re ready. We’re ready to win, we’re ready to face all the challenges,” he adds.