By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Fate has a lot in store for Bacolod native Erika Deloria, who once dreamed of making it to a more popular collegiate volleyball stage like the UAAP.
She failed to achieve that goal and went on to play for Enderun Colleges, where she honed her skills that eventually led her to a bigger, more prestigious stage — the Premier Volleyball League.
On Sunday, June 8, the 24-year-old outside hitter became the first non-UAAP and non-NCAA player to be drafted in the Rookie Draft this year after being selected 20th by the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the second round.
Her teammate Zenneth Perolino was picked 21st by the PLDT High Speed Hitters, and a few minutes later, Ivy Aquino of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies was chosen 24th by the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the third round.
Deloria hopes their selection would become an inspiration to players from lesser-known collegiate schools and leagues to never stop dreaming and pair it by working hard.
“Everyone here (in the draft) is talented. Naghihintay lang din ng time nila. Dream ko talaga dati na mag-UAAP. Hindi siya nangyari pero hindi pa rin ako tumigil, and the Lord gave me something better,” said Deloria.
“I want to be an inspiration to other people na yung feeling nila na hindi sila kilala, meaning wala nang chance. Hindi madali yung journey ko, but if you want something, you work hard for it,” she added.
A Most Valuable Player awardee in the NAASCU, Deloria is thankful for her school and her coach, Ariel “Dong” Dela Cruz, for helping her to where she is now. “Sobrang happy because it also brings so much pride sa school ko, especially kay Coach Dong na kahit under the radar kami in terms na hindi talaga kami kita or what, I believe he produces good, quality players,” she said.
“Exposure can be a big barrier, but I think naghahanap lang talaga kami ng chance to shine,” she added.
Now standing on the most competitive stage she has ever set foot in, Deloria is determined not to waste this opportunity to show her worth.
“I’m thankful to Chery Tiggo for taking the risk na hindi ako kilala, pero kinuha nila ako,” she said.
“But I’m a very competitive player. Willing akong magtrabaho para umabot sa taas. Kahit gaano yan kahirap, kakayanin ko,” she added.
The best is yet to come.
