By ADRIAN STEWART CO

University of Santo Tomas (UST) star Kent Pastrana was recognized as the 2026 Women’s Basketball Player of the Year during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics at Discovery Suites in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Pastrana, a two-time UAAP champion, said the award was an unexpected honor after helping lead the Growling Tigresses to another successful campaign.

“Hindi ko naman hinangad ito. Naglaro lang ako at happy ako na nabigyan ako ng opportunity para matupad ang mga pangarap ko,” the Negros Occidental’s Victorias City native Pastrana said.

La Salle standout Mike Phillips was named the Men’s Basketball Player of the Year.

Phillips also credited his faith after receiving the recognition.

“It’s not by my strength but only by His spirit,” Phillips said via video message.

Pastrana also earned a spot on the Women’s Basketball Mythical Team alongside fellow UST player Brigette Santos, National University’s (NU) Karl Ann Pingol and Tin Cayabyab, and Ateneo’s Kacey dela Rosa.

Meanwhile, Phillips headlined the Men’s Basketball Mythical Five with UST’s Collins Akowe, Letran’s Titing Manalili, San Beda’s Janti Miller, and Far Eastern University’s (FEU) Janrey Pasaol.

Dela Rosa also received a special citation for her contributions to the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s national team.

In volleyball, La Salle’s Angel Canino and NU’s Leo Ordiales were named UAAP Players of the Year, while Letran’s Lara Mae Silva and College of Saint Benilde’s Reymark Betco took the NCAA Player of the Year honors.

The Football Players of the Year awards went to University of the Philippines’ Ramil Bation, FEU’s Regine Rebosura, and San Beda University’s Mark Pellejo.

Also honored as Coaches of the Year were La Salle’s Topex Robinson and Ramil de Jesus, UST’s Haydee Ong, San Beda’s Yuri Escueta, NU’s Dante Alinsunurin, Letran’s Mayeth Carolino, and College of Saint Benilde’s Arnold Laniog./ASC, WDJ