THE Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) Season 55 officially kicked off on Sept. 14 in Assumpta Theater, CCP of the East, at Assumption Antipolo (AA). With the theme “Championing and Empowering Women in Sports,” 16 member schools, including two returning members, are all eager to compete at 13 events, with the volleyball tournament for the Midget and Junior divisions starting on the same day. 

Celebrating Women in Sports

     As the country's only tri-level league for women, the WNCAA was founded in 1970 to promote equality and empowerment in male-dominated sports—the Board of Trustees and school representatives, including Ma. Angelica S. Dela Cruz, the association’s Secretary-General from SBCA, was introduced during the opening ceremony.

     “WNCAA actually has always been the platform that has inspired women to accomplish great tasks, catapulting her to the peak of her game,” Eyuro said. With this year’s theme, Peña explained, “[It] reflects the idea that in our times now, women's empowerment is the way to go. Through sports, these young women build not just their bodily strength but, more importantly, their character. This is the key to creating a difference in this world,” 

Ceremonial Highlights

     Despite the AA’s first time holding the WNCAA opening ceremonies, they ensured the festive music warmly welcomed all athletes and guests as they entered the theater. The ceremonies officially began with the SalinKaMusika Club’s ethnic rendition of the Philippine National Anthem, singing of the WNCAA Hymn, and invocation by Komusikasyon Club and AA Ballerinas. 

     The presence of the teams from the 16 member schools—ACES (Assumption College), Scorpions (Centro Escolar University), Lady Blue Dragons (Chiang Kai Shek College), Green Archers (De La Salle Santiago Zobel), Voyagers (La Salle College Antipolo), Knoller (Miriam College), Patriots (Philippine Women’s University), Judenites (St. Jude Catholic School), Paulinians (St. Paul College - Pasig), Scions (St. Scholastica College), Stephenians (St. Stephen’s High School), Dragons (University of Asia and the Pacific), Amazons (AA), and the return of Herons (University of Makati), UST Angelicum (University of Santo Tomas-Angelicum College), and our very own Red Lions (SBCA) —marked the beginning of the season.

     AA’s school director, Ms. Marie Grace Magtaas, welcomed all participants in her opening remarks. “Today, we come all together not only to open a new season but also to celebrate the talent, determination, and spirit of young women in sports.” She reminded all athletes that “Sports teach more than just skills; they build character.” Magtaas also emphasized how they learn values beyond the game, shaping them into role models in their communities.

Voices of Women in Sports

     The ceremony also featured guest speaker Ms. Roscelle Fabie Tiotico, a former ​​team captain of the UAAP’s women’s basketball varsity and PBA’s Manager for Operations and Management Development. Drawing on her experiences, she said, “The story of our journeys begins by championing ourselves so that we can champion others.” She also emphasized the value of having a support system—her late mother, Coach Julie Amos, and teammates, who became her lifelong friends. “You may not be the best player in the team, but even not the best players in the team can be the leader of the team. Because your actions and how you treat people through your voice and your words are what will empower them,” she added.

     Ms. Bianca Pagdanganan, a professional golfer who represented the country during the Paris Olympics 2024 and was virtually present, also delivered her message. ​​“Respect your competitors, respect the game; it brings us all together.” Pagdanganan also acknowledged how “Pressure is a privilege,” where, despite the high stakes, they are held to a higher standard that does not only represent their team but also their schools.

A Symbolic Start

     The ceremony concluded with the Oath of Sportsmanship, led by AA’s futsal team captain, Jeremy Evasco, and the lighting of the torch by archery athletes Andy Agkamaran and Jamie Valencia, with assistance from Ms. Magtaas and Malusan Andres. WNCAA Chairperson Ma. Vivian Manila officially declared the 55th season open.

     As WNCAA continuously breaks boundaries and proves that Filipina athletes are as great as they are today, we are all called to support and watch their upcoming games. We wouldn’t dare miss the steps they take toward victory.

     Let the games begin!