UAAP Season 84 saw the debut of the new DLSU Lady Spikers lineup. But the volleyball varsity athletes were not the only ones returning to the court. Along with them were two student-athletes—this time not to play, but to showcase their reporting skills on live television.
Suited up for the Green and White as the Lady Spikers’ official UAAP correspondent is Kaila Dy (II, AB-CAM)—a former volleyball player from De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ).
Another Lasallian who also bagged the prestigious UAAP correspondent role is Ozzie Llige (IV, BS-ECED), a DLSU Green Spiker who opted for a different return to the court as the AdU Lady Falcons correspondent as the Men’s Volleyball tournament did not push through.
Same game, new perspective
As correspondents of the Lady Spikers and the Lady Falcons, both Dy and Llige bring a unique perspective to the table due to their previous experiences of playing competitive volleyball. Aside from being a sister of former Lady Spiker and UAAP 78 Finals MVP Kim Kianna Dy, Kaila once suited up for DLSZ and had her own taste of UAAP action in the juniors division. Meanwhile, Llige once represented the Green and White as a Green Spiker back in Season 81.
“I was once in their shoes. Just having that perspective of knowing what it’s like to have gone through the lifestyle of an athlete [is enough],” Llige points out, proving that his previous athletic experience turned out to be an advantage in his new role.
Similarly, Dy explains how this background helps in her work, “I understand more about how they’re feeling, so I get to relate to them. I get the sense [of] how it is [on the] court and I want to reflect that on my reports.”
Dy also points out how her point of view allows her to empathize with the student-athletes who she says know “how hard it is to balance school, mental health, and playing volleyball.”
Dealing with a heavy task
Despite covering different teams, both Dy and Llige have another thing in common: the need to adjust. Since neither of the two had experience writing, contacting, and reporting on athletes and teams, they first had to learn the ropes.
Although she initially lacked the confidence to shine in her role, Dy was determined to show up come game time. She credits practice and preparation as crucial factors in building her confidence. Dy’s regimen includes practicing her reports in front of a mirror or a camera and studying tapes of older volleyball reports. These aid Dy to “accomplish bringing the audience closer to the players,” which improves a fan’s overall UAAP viewing experience.
The DLSU correspondent was also able to develop and build a solid bond with the Lady Spikers, with them constantly exchanging stories and remaining in close contact with each other. “Anything I can do to just show off my team—like a proud mother,” she expresses, noting how much joy it gives her when she writes and reports about different players’ narratives.
On the other hand, reporting for another squad can be challenging, especially when one has limited knowledge about the school, its team, and its players. This is what Llige had to deal with in his job of reporting on the Lady Falcons.
Heading into the season, Llige knew that there was an expectation to represent Adamson University as if he were a student there. “[This] kind of challenge gave me more reason to do better for myself and [for] the school,” the AdU correspondent stresses.
But his role not only posed challenges but also presented opportunities to develop a new sense of community in San Marcelino. “They’re really welcoming. I feel like I’m part of the team already,” Llige remarks and adds that it was beneficial for him to “experience a different school community for a change.”
Echoing Dy’s sentiments, the Adamson correspondent also acknowledges the importance of practice, “You really have to put in the reps…you really have to practice, look into the mirror all the time, repeat your lines.”
Taking the next step
During their tenure as volleyball correspondents, both Dy and Llige are continuously exposed to endless possibilities of growth. In fact, they urge aspiring UAAP correspondents to take the risk and audition if given the chance. “You have to build confidence in yourself—whether it’s fake or not…Just believe in yourself and what you can do,” Dy advises. Llige echoes this, saying, “Take your shot. If you really want it, you’ll really get it if you just put in the work.”
Looking past his term as a correspondent, Llige also reveals that he wants to become an analyst in the long term, citing his liking toward the learning environment. This only affirms that his experience of reporting from the sidelines serves as an avenue for him to explore new career options outside playing volleyball.
As the UAAP volleyball season comes to a close, the roles of Dy and Llige continue to show that correspondents need the courage to handle their responsibilities. And with a momentous season for both the DLSU Lady Spikers and the AdU Lady Falcons, the Lasallians correspondents are sure to end their stints while fully embodying their roles—ultimately benefiting from this once in a lifetime opportunity.
