THE SBCA Athletics Department is set to focus on making athletes feel heard with concrete plans to improve training, facilities, and overall support.

Headed by Ms. Angie Dela Cruz, the Athletics Head Department, the department oversees the training  and tournaments of student-athletes across different sports.

In recent years there have been complaints from athletes on areas where the department could improve, particularly in terms of recognition and consistent support. Some athletes recalled instances where they were stuck in the dormitories due to bad weather and were unable to go out to buy their basic needs. This school year, the department is setting its sights on addressing these concerns and moving forward with new plans for growth.

Beyond facilities and training, the department is also focusing on the overall growth of  student-athletes. Aside from ensuring the outstanding performances in the court, field, or pool, they are preparing activities that will boost the athlete’s mental health, sportsmanship, and leadership skills.

With helping them in balancing both sports and academics, shaping them into well-rounded students who can succeed on the court and in life.

In an interview with Coach James Tolentino, assistant athletics head and midgets basketball coach, he shared that one of the main projects this year is the rehabilitation of sports facilities to serve the student-athletes better. 

The department also shared that the marketing initiatives and the changes will be carried out within the school year to give athletes the recognition they deserve.

“As part of this initiative, we are looking to convert our current weights room into a modern athletic training and rehabilitation center. This facility will allow us to introduce new, specialized training programs designed to enhance performance, recovery, and long-term athlete development across all our sports,” he said.

With their plans, athletes can expect more exposure and support. According to Tolentino, the department will strengthen both its training and marketing efforts while making sure communication with athletes is clearer and more consistent. 

“Athletes can look forward to stronger support from the Athletics Office, particularly in the areas of training and marketing. In addition, we are committed to fostering clearer and more consistent communication between the athletes and the office,” he said.

This renewed focus reflects the department’s belief in its guiding principle, “SBCA athletics is for the athletes.”

“SBCA Athletics is committed to creating an environment where our athletes can truly flourish. While we recognize that there are still a lot of things to improve on, we are confident that with continuous effort and collaboration, things will only keep getting better.” Tolentino said.

The Athletics Office will continue to be approachable to the student-athletes, with Dela Cruz, Tolentino and the new office secretary, Ms. Len Bagtas together with the student assistants available to assist and help out in managing the concerns of athletes. 

For the student-athletes, the new initiatives brings them a new sense of hope, “Its good that they want to give us the recognition that we deserve, pero sana mangyari lahat ng pinangako nila and nilo-lookforward namin ‘yon” one of the athletes said.

Another athlete shared, “Sana mangyari at mag push through lahat. Excited kami sa weights room.”

With these efforts, the department hopes to ensure that this year, athletes will not only be trained but will finally be heard, recognized, valued, and get what they deserve.

The goal is clear, make every student-athlete feel that their hard work counts, that they are no longer unnoticed, and that SBCA athletics will finally give them the spotlight they truly deserve.