By Aimerose C. Atienza

Former Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Kyla Atienza shared how FEU helped in achieving her goals after bannering the Philippine team as the Best Libero in the 2nd ASEAN Grand Prix held at Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand last September 9 to 12.

“‘Yun ay ang pagiging brave sa lahat ng aspect[s]. In volleyball, I’m a shy and quiet person, which is hindi siya makakatulong sa loob ng court, but I always remind myself na whenever na tatapak ako ng court, I need to be brave and overcome ‘yung pagkamahiyain at tahimik ko (That is to be brave in all aspects. In volleyball, I’m a shy and quiet person, which is not helpful inside the court, but I always remind myself that whenever I step inside the court, I need to be brave and overcome my shyness and quietness),” Atienza said in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

Atienza represented the green-and-gold squad in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in Season 76 to Season 81, wherein she clinched the UAAP Season 76 Women’s Beach Volleyball Rookie of the Year award.

The five-foot-six libero was also part of the Lady Tams’ stint in the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Volleyball Finals against the De La Salle University Lady Spikers.

In addition, the 25-year-old said that bagging the Best Libero award came off unexpectedly as the team encountered a winless season this year.

“I didn’t expect na makakareceive ako ng award. I’m so grateful and happy upon receiving it,” she stated.

The Creamline Cool Smashers, which Atienza is a part of, represented the Philippines in the said tourney.

“It was a great experience. For me, this tourney is one of the most memorable experience[s] I had in my volleyball career kasi kasama ko ‘yung first club team ko sa first international stint ko (because I am with my first club team in my first international stint),” Atienza said.

The Philippine team finished the 2nd ASEAN Grand Prix with a 0-3 win-loss card in fourth place.

(Photo courtesy of Nicks Hernandez/Tiebreaker Times)