Published May 20, 2025 10:08pm
Updated May 20, 2025 10:08pm
Pat Del Pilar first discovered her love of volleyball through encouragement from her two brothers, Rafael and Nathaniel.
She now uses that as fuel in her bid to bring Jose Rizal University volleyball back to relevance in the NCAA.
“Ito na po ‘yung first love ko kasi nga na-encourage ako ng mga kuya ko. Sabi ko na gusto ko rin mag-volleyball, gusto ko rin ma-feel ‘yung nafi-feel nila inside the court,” Del Pilar told GMA News Online on Tuesday.
Rafael and Nathaniel are like heroes for the 5-foot-11 Del Pilar.
Rafael was a member of De La Salle University and suited up back in UAAP Season 79. Nathaniel followed suit as he’s part of the current Green Archers, who reached the Final Four of the recently-concluded UAAP Season 87. Like the youngest Del Pilar, Rafael and Nathaniel are also middle blockers.
“In-encourage po nila ako na maglaro kasi syempre I have the height din po. Pito po kaming magkakapatid and bunso po ako. ‘Yung dalawang kuya ko lang po ‘yung naglalaro,” Del Pilar added.
“Una po basketball po talaga sila tapos ayon po nakita sila ng coaches ng volleyball kaya ni-recruit sila hanggang sa tinuloy-tuloy po nila.”
Only a sophomore, Del Pilar is now among the leaders for the Lady Bombers, emerging as their second leading scorer in the ongoing NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball tournament.
And someday, she hopes to see JRU seeing action in the Final Four.
“Gusto ko rin po talaga ma-achieve na mag-Final Four kami dito sa JRU or Finals at kung papalarin mag-champion,” the 22-year-old middle blocker said.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News