By Adrian Stewart Co

Ilongga Harem Ceballos is also taking her talents to the Big City after committing to play for the Arellano University Lady Chiefs in the upcoming NCAA women’s volleyball season.

The Bingawan, Iloilo-native Ceballos said she was delighted and thankful to the Lady Chiefs for giving her an opportunity to fulfill her aspirations of playing in the big leagues in Manila.

“I am nervous and, at the same time, thankful because Arellano University gave me an opportunity to play for their squad and also to study in a prestigious school,” Ceballos told Watchmen Daily Journal.

“Just like any kid from the province, every time I see my volleyball idols on television before, I always tell myself that I want to be in their shoes someday so this is a great opportunity for me to fulfill my dreams,” she added.

The 5-foot-6 Ceballos was a former standout of Bingawan National High School where she was a many-time 3rd CDSA Meet champion before she was recruited to Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions.

During the offseason, Ceballos kept herself busy with J. Blazers volleyball team where they finished runner-up in Plagata Cup, where she was also awarded as Best Receiver, and third runner-up in Antique League 2022.

Ceballos also played with Lady Titans volleyball team and won a championship in Nalupa Festival League in Barbaza Antique, where she was named as Most Valuable Player, and in Sto. Niño Sur and Titans one-day leagues, where she netted the Best Outside Spiker award.

Ceballos admitted that she almost lost her hope of playing in Manila after getting denied by a UAAP-based school and was planning to enroll in CPU for college, until the call from the Lady Chiefs came her way recently.

“I almost gave up really on playing in Manila because I was rejected in one of the schools where I tried out but, luckily, some coaches here in Western Visayas helped me and recommended me to Arellano,” Ceballos said.

“I won’t really waste this opportunity given to me. I know I have to adjust because it’s a new environment for me, new coaches and new teammates. I will definitely give my 100 percent to help Arellano in their NCAA campaign,” she added./ASC, WDJ