UST captain Detdet Pepito’s dedication shines as the Tigresses’ leader who is working equally hard to attain her college diploma.
While being a student-athlete is all about balance, it’s still a tall task that’s often easier said than done. Along with daily training and weekly game days is the equally demanding need to keep up with ever-increasing academic demands, which often includes sleepless nights in later years.
But for UST captain Detdet Pepito, it’s a situation she is willing to go through as she works to attain a hard-earned collegiate diploma. In fact, Pepito is actually balancing her duties as the Tigresses’ lead floor defender, all while completing her requirements as a fourth-year Elementary Education major.
On top of leading the Tigresses for UAAP Season 87, Pepito shared that she is in the midst of completing her internship as a Grade 3 science teacher at a public school in Manila.
“Sakripisyo lang talaga kasi ever since Grade 7 ako, actually since elementary, student-athlete na ako, so it’s how you manage your time and how you prioritize. So ayun, medyo haggard na ako tas mga bata pa ‘yung tinuturuan ko, so pasensya lang!” Pepito shared after tallying eight excellent digs and receptions in UST’s sweep against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday.
However, Pepito’s situation is not without its added set of challenges, given her status as a fan-favorite player in the UAAP. Even at the elementary level, the star libero shared how her students recognize her as the Detdet Pepito who has been crucial to the Golden Tigresses’ return to UAAP title contention.
“Mayroon sila, actually lahat ng bata. So pag ganoon po tinuturuan naman ako ni Ma’am Oledan, ‘yung cooperating teacher ko na iwasan makipag-halubilo as a player, so pag andon ako, talagang teacher ako,” Pepito, a two-time UAAP Best Libero, shared.
And while Detdet Pepito finds herself balancing two highly demanding roles, it’s also a testament to her dedication to being a star college athlete and aspiring elementary school teacher.
It’s no easy feat, but Pepito pointed out how guiding the young but competitive Tigresses, and teaching science lessons to grade school kids actually has some parallels.
“Syempre po same lang na masaya tas magagalit! Pare-parehas lang sila and mas makukulit lang ‘yung mga bata,” the ever-bubbly Pepito said in jest. “Ayan ah, mababait ‘yung mga teammates ko!”
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.