Separated by years but united by grit and passion, siblings Regina Santiago and Angel Santiago both left distinct marks on the DLSU Lady Tennisters. Tennis titan R. Santiago carved her name in UAAP Tennis history as the first undefeated player, spanning throughout her five-season run from Season 72 to 76, culminating in a nail-biting finale etched in memory and muscle. A. Santiago, who represented La Salle only in Season 81, played a key role in leading the Green-and-White to a silver finish despite physical setbacks.
“I just want to be remembered as someone who’s never given up,” A. Santiago reflects on her short stint with the Lady Tennisters. The younger Santiago adds that her never-give-up attitude is one quality she wants the Lasallian community to remember, “Someone resilient and who constantly pushes herself and her teammates to be the best they can be—on and off [the] court.” R. Santiago echoed her sister’s remarks on having that drive to be the best version of herself, “I hope to be remembered as someone who made the impossible possible; that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart into it.”
Raised on tennis courts since childhood, the Santiago sisters grew up in a sport that demanded as much mental toughness as it did physical discipline. At that time, their quiet determination helped them succeed in a game that did not always command national attention. They pushed through, building not just fulfilled careers but also strong characters.
Legacy defended and defined
Before she became a cornerstone of UAAP Tennis history, R. Santiago was just a determined student-athlete making the most of a rare opportunity. She was recruited early through the support of a DLSU alumnus, who would later become her manager. “Philippine tennis didn’t have the support from the government during my time. That’s why I also decided to enter college instead of pursuing a tennis career as a pro. I realized that it is time to focus on my studies and college tennis,” she recalls. Her decision to don the green-and-white jersey was personal, and most of all, purposeful.
Across five seasons with the Lady Tennisters, R. Santiago built a legendary reputation: five podium-finish seasons, zero losses, two Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, and three UAAP championships for La Salle. But her flawless record came with immense pressure—she sealed her legacy with a dramatic final match that tested every ounce of her resolve. “I was so tense [during my last match] and it was even my worst play. I lost the first set and she was up in the second set. I was already crying [at] that time. I prayed and prayed inside the court and asked for strength.”
Her mental and physical capacities were ultimately tested to gain that nerve-wracking victory, which became a testament to her faith, grit, and the unwavering support of her family and team. “That was an emotional and intense match for me,” Regina laments.
Her legacy, however, extends beyond the record books. R. Santiago remains a model of focus, discipline, and gratitude. Even after leaving the competitive scene, she remained anchored to the same values she honed during her playing years. Post-UAAP, she pursued a master’s degree in the University while coaching youth teams and working a corporate job. Now in her third year of law school, the former two-time MVP balances demanding responsibilities with the same discipline and purpose that fueled her athletic career.
Lessons beyond the lines
Witnessing firsthand how the collegiate sports experience shaped her older sister’s athletic and academic journey, A. Santiago sought out a similar adventure for herself. One of her most unforgettable moments on the court was winning a match because of the bond and support she had with her teammates; encouragement from the team gave her the strength to power through the match despite not being physically well. “It’s not the wins that made this experience unforgettable, it’s the people,” A. Santiago said.
As a student-athlete, she shares how her journey molded her into the woman she is today. One of the biggest sacrifices she had to make was her social life; and she also had to balance academics and the demanding high-level competition. With the heavy pressure, A. Santiago credits her father, who served as their main tennis coach, for instilling discipline in her. “He was strict, both as a coach and a parent,” she admitted.
Traits like time management and discipline are common among student-athletes as they are essential to fulfilling multiple responsibilities. The younger Santiago emphasizes how most do not realize how important a student-athlete’s mindset is until they graduate and step into the real world. After finishing her undergraduate studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the United States, A. Santiago pursued work close to what she loved, starting as a coach at a tennis boarding academy. Now, she wears many hats: photographer, social media manager, dorm parent, and still a tennis player. Her life today reflects how being a student-athlete prepared her to handle several roles with focus and resilience.
From court to life
Looking back at her time representing the Green-and-White, A. Santiago says it was a privilege and an experience she’s proud of. She shares with the Lasallian community that nothing worthwhile in life comes easy. “No matter what life throws at you, whether it’s good or not so good, it always gets better,” she assures. The challenges we go through push us out of our comfort zones, forcing us to learn, grow, and discover what we are truly capable of.
While R. Santiago no longer coaches, she has found a new outlet in jiu-jitsu—another test of mental and physical endurance. Yet, tennis and La Salle remain close to her heart, reminding her always of the lessons that first shaped her.
The Santiago sisters’ narrative reminds us of just how unpredictable life may be. That is why it is not just about believing in yourself, but also about finding something worthwhile that helps you believe in yourself. For every passion and goal you are working toward, what matters is having purpose. R. Santiago echoes this by saying that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Living with resolve and zeal, especially when you know why you are doing something, gives life meaning. It becomes more than loving what you do; you also have to fall in love with the process, because that is how great work and great lives are built.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s June 2025 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSJune2025.
