Banking on offseason adrenaline, Volleyball fans can vouch for the impact DLSU rookie Shane Reterta provided to the court, supporting key holdovers to the much-awaited UAAP Season 87 campaign of the Lady Spikers.
With a rebuilding La Salle roster, the accomplished prodigy reminisces on her journey of transitioning from a high school star to now competing at the collegiate level, anticipating the significant responsibilities ahead.
Unfamiliar territory
Bethel Academy’s standout player experienced a thrilling surprise when esteemed Coaches Ramil De Jesus and Noel Orcullo personally reached out to recruit her to De La Salle’s renowned and storied program. She recalled how one of her former trainers shared videos of her attacking prowess with the Lasallian mentors. “During our training na-send niya ‘yung mga videos ko while spiking, and then Coach Ramil and Coach Noel pinuntahan [nila] ako that day,” she recounted. The rare opportunity left her in awe. Without hesitation, the outside hitter accepted their invitation, stating, “…that day rin ako nag yes sa kanila.”
(During our training, he sent my videos while spiking, and then Coach Ramil and Coach Noel went to me that day… That day, I also said yes to them.)
However, the heightened competitiveness of the DLSU Women’s Volleyball program made it difficult for the rookie to acclimate to the new system. After observing the team’s conditioning, she recognized the impressive talents present in the roster. Surrounded by a blend of skill and intelligence, Reterta was inspired to challenge herself and to keep pace with the team’s level. “Mahirap makipagsabayan dahil sa mga ate ko na matataas talaga ang [level ng] laro, [kaya] lagi [ko] lang iniisip is every day ‘kong kailangang galingan.”
(It’s difficult to keep up with my ate since the standards of their playing style are high, so that’s why I always remind myself that I need to do better every day.)
Taking flight
Transitioning to La Salle was only the first challenge that Reterta had to overcome; she then had to adjust to her new role as the team’s outside hitter after being trained for the middle blocker position. During her high school days, she had already developed some instincts on spiking and defense, but stepping into a top-seeded position for her rookie year proved to be a vision from great heights. “Nagagawa ko siya (spiking and defense) noong highschool ako, but na-realize ko na sobrang kulang pa and madami pang kailangang idagdag na knowledge na meron ako in terms sa paglalaro ng outside hitter,” she exclaimed.
(I had practice on spiking and defense during high school, but I realized that there was still something missing and there is more knowledge to learn in terms of playing the outside hitter position.)
She admitted that becoming an open spiker has been the biggest change and challenge under Coach De Jesus’ system. “Siguro yung paglalaro ko from middle to outside [kasi] pagdating ko rito outside na talaga yung position na [training] ko,” Reterta remarked. The adjustment required her to refine her offensive approach and overall gameplay. But beyond the techniques, Reterta knew that a deeper understanding of the wing position was needed–one that requires versatility, increased court awareness, and mastery of the basics.
(Maybe my transition from playing middle to outside. Upon arrival, I was already training for the outside position.)
Building a legacy
Stepping onto the court as a Lady Spiker already marks a milestone in her career. However, Reterta remains focused on making a name for herself in the collegiate volleyball scene, embracing the responsibility of proving her worth, not only as a key player but also as a vital teammate both on and off the court. “First maka-help sa team on and off the court and ‘yung sini-set kong goals ngayon sa sarili ko is makagawa ng sariling pangalan at maipakita ko yung meron ako,” she shared.
(First, I want to help the team both on and off the court. My personal goal right now is to make a name for myself and prove what I can bring to the game.)
For aspiring student-athletes dreaming of donning the Green-and-White jersey, Retarta’s message is simple: dare to dream, and fight for it. “Allow yourself na mangarap and ang kasama niyan is yung hard work, “ she emphasized.
(Allow yourself to dream, but always remember that hard work comes with it.)
With the new season in full swing, she calls on the Lasallian faithful to continue believing in the team’s journey, hoping to reward their trust with a championship. “Thank you so much for the support na natatanggap namin on and off ng volleyball, and ‘wag po sana kayo magsawang sumuporta and mas lumalim pa po yung tiwala and paniniwala niyo na kaya po namin dalhin ngayong season ang team sa championship.”
(Thank you so much for the support we received, both on and off the court. I hope you never grow tired of cheering for us and that your trust and belief in our team only grow stronger as we strive to bring home the championship this season.)
The rookie understands that beyond every spike and defensive stop, the loud cheers from the stands serve as an invisible force that drives the Lady Spikers forward. As Reterta embarks on her collegiate volleyball journey, she continues to embrace every challenge that comes her way, from an unexpected recruitment to adjusting under a new system. Understanding the team’s championship aspirations, Reterta hopes to be a crucial piece of the puzzle, one that embodies hard work, perseverance, and the fighting spirit that defines Lasallian volleyball.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s March 2025 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSMarch2025.
