Empowering Strides: Coach Honey’s Journey from Setbacks to Success
by Lyka Dimarucut Rodriguez and Nathaniel Valles
In the electrifying realm of sports, where the limelight often overlooks female athletes, Coach Honey Joy Ortaliz Salaysay emerges not just as a competitor but as a force challenging norms and proving that triumph knows no gender bounds.
Coach Honey's odyssey commenced with a stumble on the volleyball court, dislocating her kneecap and ushering her out of the national team. Yet, setbacks weren't the end; they were the crucible for her unyielding determination.
"In my athlete career year, I wiped out on the volleyball court, and my right kneecap was dislocated. That's the reason why I quit the National Team," she told Pacesetter in an interview.
In 2017, her sights were set on the podium in the National Athletics Teams. Despite enduring injuries that would sideline most, she displayed a brand of resilience that defined her. Last November, she not only conquered adversities but seized a silver medal in the 4x100m relay, women 35-39 years old category at the 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championships.
Beyond the finish line
Coach Honey's influence transcends personal victories. As a mentor at Bulacan State University, she imparts more than physical training; she instills the ethos of motivation and relentless diligence.
"Some great things I learned in my 20 years of life and business experience is anyone that says they are self-made is lying to you. There is someone or others that help you, guide you, and mentor you that you owe gratitude for that got you to where you are or where you're going to be," she said.
"Some qualities I think you must have as a coach today are, you need to have a drive and passion to help others succeed. Any coach who goes above and beyond the call of duty, spending quality time and caring about what you are doing, is special."
Leadership beyond borders
As Coach Honey prepares for the World Masters, her leadership remains an unwavering beacon. The 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championship, hosting over 1,400 athletes from 22 countries, attests to Coach Honey's global imprint.
"My father guided and directed me to keep working on myself and my career. He was instrumental in putting together an action plan to help me succeed," Coach Honey said, sharing her father’s contribution to her career.
Coach Honey's narrative transcends the confines of tracks and medals; it encapsulates the essence of influencing lives. The forthcoming World Masters underscores her unwavering pursuit of excellence.
"As you get older, your desires change, your outlook on life becomes different. Now in my 39s, I am seeking to help others succeed, to feel what winning is like. I have learned it’s okay to lose and not be perfect. You learn a lot from your imperfections and mistakes and learn more about you," she said.
In the ever-evolving tapestry of sports, Coach Honey's journey isn't just a story; it's a symphony of resilience, a proclamation of her indomitable spirit destined to resonate far beyond the pages. She's not just rewriting the script; she's defying the limits imposed by gender, age, and setbacks, leaving an indelible mark on the world of athletics.
Nathaniel Valles is the Circulations Manager of Pacesetter for A.Y. 2023-2024. He is a fourth-year psychology student from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy.
Lyka Dimarucut is a senior staff writer of Pacesetter. She is a third-year secondary education student from the College of Education.
