By MARK REY MONTEJO
National University star Bella Belen is probably one of the most talented players ever to step on the collegiate women’s volleyball stage, displaying brilliance in terms of skills, character, and she knows her priorities very well.
Despite having a hectic schedule due to her responsibilities as a student-athlete, Belen, 22, worked her way to fulfill what every parents dream for their child: to finish their education, and she did after earning her BS Psychology diploma at NU last Friday.
Surely, the charming and jovial Belen made her loved ones proud – though not everyone, of course, and it’s inevitable.
But the fact that the 5-foot-8 outside hitter persevered to achieve her goals, there are critics who would still make such allegations that student-athletes have had special treatment when it comes to their academics.
“I’m very happy kasi syempre ‘yong diploma hindi sya biro sa isang estudyante, syempre isa po ‘yon sa gusto naming makuha kasi hindi sya madali,” said Belen after leading the Lady Bulldogs to a 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 Game 1 win over De La Salle Lady Spikers last weekend.
“Kahit na may mga tao na nagsasabi na porket student-athlete, ganyan, talagang nakapasa lang kami dahil ganun kami, pero hindi, nagaaral din kami, nagpupuyat and I’m very happy na nakuha nako ng diploma from NU,” she added.
Belen stressed that it will be a tough test they need to overcome in order to accomplish the two-peat feat that they’ve been longing for before their departure.
“Siguro hindi ko mae-explain ko kung papano, ‘yon talaga ‘yong goal namin this year, mag-graduate, and then maging back-to-back [champion],” continued Belen, a two-time UAAP MVP and champion.
“Hindi sya magiging madali kasi alam naman namin na ang La Salle, palaban sila, champion team sila, kaya kami kailangan naming pagtrabahuhan every point,” she added.
The first-ever Rookie-MVP in UAAP women’s volleyball also has a message for aspiring athletes like her, noting nothing is impossible and discipline is a must.
“Hindi sya imposible, na kahit student-athlete ka, na busy ‘yong training schedules, and at the same time may classes,” said Belen.
“Talagang kailangan lang magsumikap and kailangan marunong din sa time management and priorities din.”
Belen is poised to win her third MVP plum this season and a Game 2 victory over La Salle this Wednesday, May 14, at Mall of Asia Arena, would mark her final game – as well Alyssa Solomon – as a Lady Bulldog.
