CROSSING through the threshold into college is what every first-year faces, but for those who aspire to reach the field of sports, the journey to be a student-athlete becomes a crucial moment marked by trials and tribulations. As these rookies set their sights on breaking into the big leagues, THE BEDAN HERALD highlights four players: John Gatmaitan and Lorenzo Goli (I-BSBA-MM), Men's Basketball's Shooting Guard and Forward; Maristella Magdangal (I-BSP), Women's Futsal Striker and Defender; and Borbie Rivera Jr. (I-BSE), Men's Volleyball's Setter. 

From The Start

Newly drafted athletes, also known as rookies, embark on their first season at the higher level of play. As fresh faces, anticipating the outcome of their tryouts has sent them jitters despite their previous experience as varsity players in high school. Rivera Jr. said, "I was not confident of being recruited since the coach told us that they were still not sure if the team for high school would push through. Luckily, it did, and I happened to be recruited by our coach."

Viewing things from a different angle, Goli shared, "I had no idea kung makukuha ako kasi wala akong ibang connections," in contrast to Gatmaitan, who had a backer in the team. Nevertheless, both were recruited based on their abilities. Gatmaitan said, "At the end of the day, sarili mo lang ang maaasahan mo pagdating sa gagawin mo sa tryouts o sa isang basketball team."

Juggling Two Extremes

Now that they're part of their respective teams, balancing academics and sports presents a significant challenge, especially as training starts early in the morning, even more so while adjusting to college. Magdangal stated, "It becomes even more challenging when classes are at 7:30 AM. Nevertheless, I strive to maintain a balance—I am a student before an athlete." Moreover, one of her hardships was when her senior coach didn't let her play, unlike her previous years. When asked how she overcame it, she added, "I faced this challenge by accepting it, continuing to play, and acknowledging that perhaps I'm still a rookie. I'm still in the learning process."

Meanwhile, to solve this matter, time management was the resounding answer from Gatmaitan, citing the significance of his scholarship shaped him. "Kapag nahihirapan kami, parati kaming nagtutulungan," Goli added, highlighting how teamwork also applies in surviving academic pressures.

Driving Factors

When asked what motivates them, Rivera Jr. states, "...thinking that I can excel in academics and volleyball. All I have to do is have a good mindset that I can do better every day if I want to." Meanwhile, Magdangal said, "My passion drives me and the dreams of my younger self, who aspired to achieve greatness." Their short and long-term goals were also noted as their motivation, ranging from excelling further in the sport, surpassing their level of play to becoming professionals.

A message for upcoming rookies

As student-athletes, they recognize the immense fulfillment that comes with pursuing their passions; Rivera Jr. urges anyone who wishes to be a varsity player to aim for their spot without hesitation, as even the best players once started as small kids with soaring dreams. Magdangal encourages selecting a sport one truly enjoys, putting heart into it, seizing opportunities, and staying focused and humble. Gatmaitan emphasizes the importance of discipline over motivation, while Goli emphasizes the significance of hard work in achieving goals. 

These Bedan athletes continue to soar as they remain resilient. As they continue to prepare for the upcoming NCAA South, we wouldn't dare miss the inaugural steps toward victory these rookies are about to embark upon.