Former UST Growling Tigress Pierre Abellana embodies the perfect student athlete, finishing Magna Cum Laude in Fitness and Sports Management, and is prepared to showcase her determination on the court for the Farm Fresh Foxies.
No need to choose between sports and academics, because Pierre excels in both.
The journey of a student-athlete is undoubtedly challenging, but Pierre Abellana, a former UST Growling Tigress and now a key player for the Farm Fresh Foxies, has navigated it brilliantly, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Sports Management.
“Super important ng academics, especially if we’re student athletes. Kasi nga we’re students before we’re athletes,” Pierre emphasizes, showcasing the critical role of education.
While academics may seem separate from athletics, Pierre demonstrates their connection through her unwavering dedication, both on and off the court.
“‘Yung sipag as a student [tuwing] sinisipagan mo mag-aral, it also reflects how you are as an athlete like gaano ka ka-sipag mag-training, nag-e-extra work ka,” she notes.
At the inaugural PVL Draft Combine, the former University of Santo Tomas wing spiker shone brightly in the skill tests, completing 43 push-ups in a minute, achieving a 25.0-inch standing vertical jump, and finishing a 60m shuttle run in 14.35 seconds.
ALSO READ: Pierre Abellana eager to prove her worth as she vies for the inaugural PVL Draft
Now, as an outside hitter for the Farm Fresh Foxies, Pierre carries valuable lessons into her debut season.
“Take everything one day at a time. ‘Yong improvement is hindi agad-agad mangyayari. Kailangan mo lang din maging patient sa sarili mo. And I think that applies to everybody din. That is also a valuable lesson for me, especially this upcoming conference. Mas nagiging confident na akong maglaro,” she said.
With newfound fierceness and confidence, Pierre is ready to compete fiercely for the Foxies—one point at a time.
“For this conference, ang mindset namin, same lang. One point at a time, hindi magmadali and always believe in yourself.”