JOHN BENEDICT SANTIAGO and ALTHEA ROSE MARTIREZ (Photo courtesy of Rafa Santiago)
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Two tennis standouts from Iloilo City are set to realize their dreams of playing in Manila after being recruited by two squads from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).Althea Rose Martirez is set to suit up for Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles women’s tennis team, while John Benedict Santiago will join the National University tennis team.
Martirez, a standout from Central Philippine University, is still in disbelief that she was recruited by the Blue Eagles as Ateneo was her dream school even during her younger years.
“It still feels surreal until now that I have been recruited by one of the most prestigious schools in the Philippines in Ateneo,” Martirez told Watchmen Daily Journal.
“Since I was in grade school, Ateneo has been my dream school. As a student-athlete who has been working hard since day one, they can expect the work and passion that I put [in], both on and off the court,” she added.
Santiago, also a former player of the Golden Lions, said he is also thankful to be recognized by the Bulldogs as he hopes that he will open the doors for other Ilonggo netters to be recruited in Manila.
“Out of the many universities here in the Philippines, I am proud that I was recruited by the National University since they have a nice tennis program and I know I will grow here as a player,” Santiago said.
“This can also serve as an inspiration to my fellow Ilonggo youth athletes to work harder. As a hardworking athlete, my team can expect a lot from me, especially in UAAP,” he added.
Rafa Santiago, who served as the head coach of the two, said he is happy and proud of the achievements of Martirez and Santiago as he personally saw how hardworking players they are.
“As father and coach both to Althea and John Benedict, I am so very happy and thankful that my time, effort and sacrifices have paid off. They worked hard for all the achievements they have now. I’m really proud of them,” Rafa said./ASC, WDJ