by Olivia Louise Infante and Chester Cruz

From medals won during the five-day event of Palarong Pambansa, to 11 different teams bringing home an array of silvers and golds during the Jesuit Athletics’ Meet, to season 86 of the UAAP bringing about a whirlwind of emotions for the community—it goes without saying that all those who have shed blood, sweat, and tears to have these awards deserve a huge pat in the back. They have carried the name of the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) with flying crystal colors—but what about those who have had their greatest efforts poured out just as much, but have never given a moment in the spotlight? What about the unsung stories and untold truths of the sports community? 

Shattering Shards of Stereotypes

“Frisbee is not really a sport…”

“Volleyball is  for women only…”

“Table Tennis is the easiest sport…” 

“Girls cannot reach the same level of competitiveness as basketball boys…”

As piercing stereotypes were echoed across interviews, disappointment reflected amongst the players of different teams. In the shadows of more widely-known sports, the ASHS ultimate frisbee, table tennis, boys’ volleyball, and girls’ basketball teams are creating their own light as student athletes. 

Joaquin Pineda, team captain of the frisbee team, deduced that such misconceptions probably stem from a lack of awareness towards the sport. He also discussed the “preconceived notion of frisbee just being a game of catch.” 

Chili Fernando, co-captain of the table tennis team, explained that many think of table tennis as more of an activity rather than a sport, and its essence gets underestimated because of the little physical contact it requires. “Table Tennis is a really difficult sport—from coordination of hands and legs, to analyzing the game, to having quick adaptability during games, it really is a sport of the mind,” he clarifies. 

Gendered connotations have also been embedded into various sports, resulting in stereotypes. Take basketball and volleyball for example, both of which are deemed to be more masculine and feminine than the other, respectively. This is why Isis Alcantara, co-captain of the girls’ basketball team, shares how girls cannot reach the same level of competitiveness in a sport that is dominated by males. “Girls’ basketball often doesn’t get hyped up as often as boys’ basketball,” she adds. Ken Nicolas, a player from the boys’ volleyball team, says that “most would assume that [the players] are gay which is a really bad way of stereotyping.”

Despite these stereotypes, the athletes still have unwavering passion for the sport that they play. Pineda encapsulates this, sharing, “Another thing that I love about this sport would be what people in Ultimate call Spirit of the Game, a way for players to show sportsmanship to one another by making fair and truthful calls, and respect for one another.” 

The effort to put an end to these preconceived notions is ongoing. Athletes like them aren’t simply confronting stereotypes—they are rewriting the story of what it means to be an athlete of their respective sports, and it is more than the common negative comments that they hear from other people.

Two Sides to a Court

 Mr. Pilares, the Athletics Coordinator of the Ateneo Senior High School, shoulders the role of handling the sports teams and the athletes that compose it, as well as tournaments and coaches. In an interview, Mr. Pilares expresses the unwavering support upheld by the Office of the Athletics Coordinator (OAC) for the student athletes. 

The two table tennis co-captains also express their gratitude towards the support they feel from the ASHS community. Although Frances Lo, co-captain, explains that more credit could still be given. “There is still a lack of support from publication materials and recognition towards different achievements we’ve worked hard for,” she stated. 

“I do think that acknowledging our achievements as a team in the sport is something that the school could continue to improve on,” Fernando adds. 

The OAC, however, explains that they make an effort to keep track of schedules and ask for photos to be highlighted and featured after games. “Unfortunately, sometimes the coaches forget,” Mr. Pilares discloses. He also exemplifies the importance of the Athletics Council for extra coordination and relaying of results and materials for them to forward to Hi-Lites and the University Marketing Office. 

The OAC points out that there are different program heads assigned, entrusted to make sure that every sport is given an equal opportunity. They are also responsible for requesting the equipment, uniforms, and budget needed. Nicolas does not feel too happy in terms of support, saying, “Just because of not being able to win, we receive almost zero support at all… The team funds are provided mostly by our parents and coaches’ personal funds.” 

According to Mr. Pilares, on the other hand, their office creates an extensive budget proposal for every team as much as possible, however not all get approved. “It is difficult, sometimes, to fulfill all the requests… As much as possible—we treat them equally. We make sure that regardless of the sport they are participating in, our office will give support,” he explained.

In addition to financial support, Pineda has brought attention to another crucial matter for the ultimate frisbee team, “As we were removed as an official varsity team this meant that we would also lose our proper coach.” Mr. Pilares mentioned the reason behind why they are not recognized as a varsity team, “Right now, there is no current league for frisbee. Unlike, for example, UAAP, usually. There is no league that has frisbee as a sport, same with handball.” He also emphasized that there have been recommendations for this matter, however, it would be hard to approve due to the lack of competitions. 

Despite the struggles that they faced as student athletes in terms of support and recognition, it did not stop them from having moments that they are proud of. They also shared some experiences that proved their hard work to be worthwhile. 

Limelight Beyond the Shadows 

Lo shares a gratifying moment in her sport. “I am beyond proud of how the team improved coming from last year’s season with no preparations at all.” When asked as to why not much preparations were made, Lo explains that training had started later than expected due to the lack of players.  “We had to ask one of my sister’s friends to join the team without any experience in table tennis so that we’d be able to complete the roster to be able to play.” Yet, despite all of these, both team captains of the tennis team express their pride and sense of accomplishment. In the Jesuit Athletic Meet, they were able to finish on the podium.  

Nicolas has his sentiments on their journey during the UAAP season, braving the tournaments against teams with years spent training together as compared to the months his team only had. “This may show why we are at a great disadvantage, but we still push through and give each game our best even if we’re new to playing with each other.”

Beyond the excitement of triumph and achievements that they received from different athletic leagues, what they believe to be their “gratifying moments” emphasizes the value of teamwork, perseverance, and grit for these student athletes. Lo and Nicolas’ stories show the true meaning of joy in sports—sharing victories and milestones with their teammates. Despite the difficulties with preparations, their journeys were marked not only by their titles, but also by their pride in their newly formed teams. 

Make-Up Call or Wake-Up Call?

“As my time in Eagles Ultimate is coming to a close, I have sort of realized that maybe my legacy in Eagles Ultimate isn’t necessarily to bring back a trophy anymore, but rather to fight and give life for a new start of the team that we love dearly. To allow all of these juniors and batches to come, a future in the sport and getting a chance to play and excel in reaching bigger heights,” Pineda shares.  

The experiences of these athletes provide a clear representation of the complexities that students in the sports community of the ASHS have gone through. In spite of the ongoing stereotypes, limited recognition, and preparation constraints, these teams and individuals are the pinnacle of persistent commitment, passion, and perseverance in pursuing their athletic ambitions due to their undying love for their respective sports. The challenges and struggles they faced serve as reminders of how important it is for these student athletes to feel like they are being recognized and prioritized enough to be given the assistance that they need. 

“I want to feature even the smallest accomplishments next school year,” Mr. Pilares says. In the future, it will be crucial to keep promoting inclusivity, especially with the sports that are not widely-known or have been recently added in the ASHS. 

This becomes a time when the ball is in the hands of those from the bleachers. By celebrating their accomplishments, acknowledging their efforts, and giving appropriate support, we become the very electricity that allows a bright light to shine—where every ASHS athlete feels seen, empowered, and capable of reaching their full potential.