UST's Kent Pastrana was hailed as the inaugural Collegiate Women’s Basketball Player of the Year to headline a total of 23 awardees at the 2024 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night.
History was made as standout athletes in women’s basketball and men’s volleyball were honored for the first time at the 2024 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night, presented by San Miguel Corporation, held on June 17 at the Discovery Suites Manila in Pasig.
Kent Pastrana from the University of Santo Tomas was named the first-ever Collegiate Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, leading a total of 23 awardees alongside Collegiate Men’s Basketball Player of the Year Kevin Quiambao from De La Salle.
Pastrana led the Growling Tigresses to their first title in 17 years, defeating the seven-time champion National U in a thrilling three-game series to clinch the UAAP Season 86 Finals.
She was also named the UAAP Player of the Year for team events in the league’s closing ceremony and received a follow-up recognition from the CPC in this historic event, also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.
Pastrana also headlined the inaugural Women’s Mythical Five, joined by her teammate and UAAP Finals MVP Tantoy Ferrer, FEU's Josee Kaputu, UP’s Favour Onoh, and Kacey dela Rosa from Ateneo.
Meanwhile, Quiambao, who led La Salle to the UAAP Season 86 title to break a seven-year drought, headlined the Men’s Mythical Five along with Rookie-MVP Clint Escamis from Mapua, UP’s Malick Diouf, Lyceum’s Enoch Valdez, and Jacob Cortez from San Beda.
“It’s our honor to be given this kind of opportunity sa women’s basketball. Thank you for this award at sa walang pag-suporta sa amin,” said Pastrana.
[ALSO READ: Kevin Quiambao, Bella Belen banner Players of the Year awardees in Collegiate Press Corps' Annual Awards Night]
Men’s volleyball achievers were recognized for the first time, led by UAAP Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year Owa Retamar from NU and NCAA Men's Volleyball Player of the Year Louie Ramirez from Perpetual.
Retamar, who earned the UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP and Best Setter titles, and Ramirez, who won the NCAA Season 99 MVP award, both led their teams in the Bulldogs and the Altas, respectively, to four consecutive titles.
“Sobrang saya po na ako ‘yung napili para dito sa men’s volleyball award. Masaya ako para sa men’s volleyball na unti-unti nang nakilala syempre sa tulong ng media. Sila ‘yung tumulong na magpalawak nito. Sana tuloy-tuloy para sa lahat ng kabataan na nanonood samin. Sana ma-inspire sila,” said Retamar.
The night also celebrated coaches in women’s basketball and volleyball. Haydee Ong of UST was named UAAP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, while Dante Alinsunurin of NU and Sammy Acaylar of Perpetual won UAAP Men’s Volleyball and NCAA Men’s Volleyball Coaches of the Year, respectively.
NU’s Norman Miguel and Jerry Yee of three-peat champion College of St. Benilde were honored as UAAP Women’s Volleyball and NCAA Women’s Volleyball Coaches of the Year, respectively.
“It’s the first time in history that you’ve given accolades and inclusivity for women’s basketball. Maraming Salamat po. This award will not be possible without the help of the whole community and ecosystem of UST,” said Ong.
[ALSO READ: Collegiate Press Corps to honor 7 outstanding coaches at annual awards night]
The event, supported by Discovery Suites, Jockey, Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, and Virgil Villavicencio, also highlighted winners of staple awards in men’s basketball and women’s volleyball.
For the second time, MVP Bella Belen of NU received the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year award, while Cloanne Mondonedo of CSB, the first setter MVP in NCAA history, won the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year.
La Salle’s champion mentor Topex Robinson was named UAAP Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year, while Yuri Escueta, who led San Beda to an NCAA title, was named NCAA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year.