Wednesday, October 17, 2007 Talk back: Lady Warriors show class in basketball By Janine D. Rendon St. Theresa’s College
IN A man’s world, there is no room for women. But when she breaks the barrier, there is change.
The University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors are off to play their game—a passion for basketball drives each one. A month of intense tryout is paid to be a Warrior, to be counted one of the 15 official varsity players.
Jem Ryan Betia, 22, the youngest of the four coaches of the team, concluded that as a coach for women, “You must have a lot of patience”.
Since basketball is more associated with men, there are measures to be taken. In rectifying the mistakes of a player, corrections have to be done one by one and players need to have more time to correct it.
“In male players, it’s more systematic while in female players, you must focus more in their skills. Slowly but surely,” he said.
Sacrifices
The sacrificial act of a coach molds his players. The determination of a player makes her a victor. As a varsity player, one is going to be involved in serious practices during weekdays from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., often with arduous drills.
Moreover, time management is needed to balance academic responsibilities, practices and leisure.
Through sacrifices, there are merits that they have earned. A free tuition helps their parents financially. A pair of shoes and an allowance for every game is a credit that means something. A sense of teamwork, discipline, open-mindedness and coordination are salient lessons each player achieves. But the real essence of the game is gaining new friends and having lots of fun.
In every advantage, hand in hand, are the disadvantages. Roanne Camille Tan, 19, said, “Since the sport is very physical, it can result to major physical injury and in my case, I already experienced it.”
Michela Ada Alerta, 19, agrees and said “It (getting too physical) can get you into a fight with other teams.”
Both agree that the precaution to take to be in the team is discipline. Aside from the physical hurdles, they have a lesser time to spend with confidants and families but still, there are great rewards ahead of them.
The USC Lady warriors have been participating in basketball leagues in different places like in Lapu-Lapu where they won a crown last year. During the recent Cebu Schools Athletic Association 2007, the Lady Warriors bagged the championship title.
With the title, they earned the right to form the core group that will represent Region 7 in the Private Schools Athletic Association meet this December. In addition, they will fly to Bacolod on Oct. 21, 2007 for the Philippine University Games.
Their achievements mark a difference which only proves that the facade of a woman might delude us. Watch out for other aspiring Lady Warriors for they are ready to break another wall.
