By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense guard Kent Jane Pastrana expressed gratitude to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses for becoming her “second home” as she marked the close of her UAAP chapter in a heartfelt social media post.

Pastrana, who previously suited up for the De La Salle University Lady Archers before transferring to UST, reflected on how the Black and Gold community embraced her and supported her throughout her journey with the Tigresses.

“First of all, thank you, Lord, for giving me this kind of opportunity and blessings, and big thank you to the UST Community for your unending support since Day 1,” Pastrana wrote.

“You made every single game feel like a championship game,” she added.

The veteran guard credited UST for providing her with a sense of belonging, describing the university as a place where she felt at home both on and off the court.

She also acknowledged the Tigresses’ coaching staff for playing a key role in her development.

“Thank you for sharing your knowledge on and off the court, for your patience, the tough conversations and the memories that I will carry with me forever,” Pastrana said.

“You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and encouraged me to be more than just a player everyday,” she added.

Pastrana also paid tribute to her teammates, calling it a privilege to share the highs and lows of competition with them during her time in España.

“It is a privilege to have shared sweat, tears, heartbreaks, defeat, and triumphs with you. It will be tough to move on to the next chapter knowing that I am leaving you behind,” she wrote.

She closed her message by embracing the end of her time with the Tigresses and the university she came to call home.

“It’s been a wild, beautiful ride. Thank you for everything, UST. Last time for the Black and Gold.”

Pastrana’s farewell marks the conclusion of her stint with the Growling Tigresses, closing a UAAP career highlighted by two championships./ASC, WDJ