For Julia Coronel, it's a dream come true to find herself soaking up wisdom and receiving guidance from her longtime idol, Jia De Guzman, within the ranks of Alas Pilipinas.
Julia Coronel is living out a dream she once thought was beyond reach.
Not only has she received a surprising call-up to Alas Pilipinas, but she also finds herself teaming up with her longtime idol, Jia De Guzman.
Coronel shares several parallels with De Guzman – both are alumnae of Colegio San Agustin Makati, both assume the role of setters on the court, and both have tasted success as UAAP champions.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman to serve as Alas Pilipinas captain]
Now, as they unite in representing the Philippines for the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup, Coronel is experiencing the realization of a long-held dream.
“Never did I ever imagine na magiging teammate ko si ate Jia kasi we came from the same high school, hindi kami nag abot dun. Tapos ‘yun, noong nag UAAP siya parang siya talaga ina-idolize ko,” the La Salle playmaker shared to One Sports.
“‘Yun, growing up, I just really look up to her.”
As the Alas Pilipinas ramp up their preparations for the international tilt, slated to run from May 22 to 29, Coronel relishes the unforgettable opportunity to participate in drills and train alongside De Guzman.
“It’s just a surreal feeling na I get to set alongside her, na siya nakaka-partner ko sa bola, and she gets to advise me up close, personally on what else I could work on. And yun, just a great feeling talaga,” she gushed.
The experience has been truly transformative for Coronel.
Each training session alongside De Guzman brings forth new lessons and perspectives, elevating her understanding of the game to new heights.
Safe to say, Coronel's admiration for the decorated playmaker has deepened. She even finds herself inspired by De Guzman's positive demeanor on the court.
“So far, more on sa technique ko when setting the ball. She would just remind me about the basics. Minsan kasi hindi ko nae-execute ng tama pero she would just remind me,” Coronel shared when asked about the advice she has received from the multi-tiled setter.
“I also really appreciate na every time she’d also affirm me na, ‘Oh nice set! Good one, good up!’ Parang nakaka-boost din sa confidence ko ‘yun kasi knowing nga na si Ate Jia ‘yung nagsasabi nun.”
[ALSO READ: ‘Basta para sa bayan, laban!’ | Angel Canino vows to go all out in dream stint for Alas Pilipinas]
As the only other setter alongside De Guzman, Coronel undoubtedly faces the daunting task of stepping in for such a seasoned player.
While she acknowledges the pressure that comes with this responsibility, Coronel is more than willing to embrace her role for the team's betterment.
“Of course, there is that pressure considering na si ate Jia nga ‘yung kasama ko pero kumbaga hindi ko naman siya kalaban eh, she’s my teammate, and I’m here to help her,” she said.
“Siyempre, I’m just going to embrace that, embrace my role, and just do my best to help her and help the rest of the team.”