Eager and Well-Prepared: Lady Paddlers gear up for UAAP S86

The reigning champions of UAAP Season 85, the formidable De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Paddlers, stand prepared not only to challenge their competitors but also to fervently uphold their championship legacy in the approaching UAAP Season 86.

Speaking with team captain Rein Teodoro about their preparations for the upcoming season, she emphasized the collective pressure they all feel. “It really is quite a pressure on all of us, but just focusing on giving it our best and focusing on our own contribution for the team to be able to achieve our one goal, that’s what keeps us grounded.”

However, she underscored the importance of maintaining their focus on giving their absolute best and concentrating on their individual contributions to help the team achieve their ultimate objective. This unwavering dedication to retaining their championship title remains their primary goal. The team’s aspiration is not only to defend its crown but also to foster unity among all its members as they navigate the season and to become even more formidable than they were in the previous year.

Initiating a Fresh Chapter

Entering a fresh season, poised to confront both new and familiar opponents, Teodoro conveys that they are “hopeful, competitive, and absolutely ready” for the challenges that lie ahead.

Recognizing the variability in this season’s competitions, Teodoro astutely pointed out, “Having these different outcomes, different opponents, we know that it’s going to be different this year than the last year. What we’re planning to do about that is just to be there for whoever is on the table, to be supportive, and just cheer them on and just pass our strengths on whoever is playing on the table.”

With this mindset, the team stands fully prepared for any competition they may encounter, poised to triumph over every opponent through diligent preparation.

Game Changers in Action

Regarding standout players on the team, Teodoro emphasized that each member has something exceptional to offer, and anticipate outstanding performances from every player as they leverage their individual strengths to achieve the team’s goal.

“Definitely, all of them are going to stand out. There’s no question about it. Everyone is going to contribute to reaching our goal.”

Teodoro spoke highly of the key players, including Jannah Romero, who consistently puts her heart and soul into every game, emphasizing, “She’s great. She’s great at the table and she brings her best foot forward all the time.” Angel Laude, a formidable member of the Philippine team, is also expected to provide stiff competition this season.

Additionally, Teodoro acknowledged the outstanding contributions of other key players such as Kyla Bernaldez, Mariana Caoile, Arianna Lim, and Mary Go, commending their dedication and hard work in training, stating,

“I think each and every one of my teammates, they’re going to bring their best on the table. They’re just going to go all out this season.”

Mental and Physical Fortitude

In their season preparation, prioritizing rest is essential for maintaining peak physical and mental condition. Many athletes tend to exhaust themselves in the weeks leading up to competitions, resulting in significant mental pressure. Given the significant physical and emotional pressures they face, Teodoro recommends taking a moment to rest and breathe, allowing them to regain control of their senses and maintain their composure.

“I cannot stress how important rest is because if you burn yourself out after training really hard, it’s not going to be good for you during competition.”

Captain’s Tasks: Leading the Way

As team captain, Teodoro shared her approach to motivating and inspiring the team for peak performance in both matches and training sessions. Particularly by cheering her teammates on, encouraging them, and letting them know that they’re doing great. She also tells them that she sees and acknowledge all their hard work and will likewise always have their backs to support them.

Looking back on the previous season, when it comes to confronting formidable competitors, Teodoro emphasized that the Lady Paddlers spared no effort, channeling every ounce of their remaining energy to clinch the championship title, which they aim to do so again in season 86. With this mindset, Teodoro then shares a bit of advice for the team when faced with a tough competition or circumstance,

“If they want to grow as not just an athlete, but also as a person, when everything is hard, when everything is going to shambles, or when it’s just becoming very difficult for you, when you do your best during that moment, that’s where you go.”

The DLSU Lady Paddlers commence their quest to defend their championship title this Season 86 against the Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo) on Thursday, November 9, 10:30 AM at the Amoranto Sports Complex.

Their Day 1 and Day 2 schedule is outlined as follows:

DLSU vs UP — November 9, 1:30PM

DLSU vs AdU — November 9, 4PM

DLSU vs UST — November 10, 8AM

DLSU vs FEU — November 10, 10:30AM

DLSU vs UE — November 10, 1:30PM