The second in her family to join the decorated DLSU Lady Spikers program, Mikole Reyes wants to make her own reputation in the UAAP outside of her sister Mika.
It is always difficult to live in the shadow of someone else in the family, especially if that someone is DLSU women’s volleyball legend Mika Reyes.
But for the younger Mikole Reyes, who now joins the helm of the very team that Mika had succeeded in, believes she has something to offer that will help her step out of Mika’s legacy, and create her own name in the sport.
Speaking to One Sports, Mikole said that she wants to be able to contribute to the sport in a bigger way than just being Mika’s younger sister.
“Gusto ko rin naman hindi lang matawag na kapatid lang ni Mika Reyes. Gusto ko rin magawan ng name ko din, as Mikole Reyes,” she said.
“Parang, [I want to give] everything na maco-contribute talaga sa team. I’m all out,” she added.
Despite her older sister playing a role in her choosing La Salle for her collegiate career, Mikole said that it was also bigger than family ties, knowing that there are numerous players vying for positions in a program as successful as La Salle.
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But at the end of the day, Mikole admitted that she was inspired by Mika — who is a three-time UAAP champion with the Lady Spikers.
“Yes of course, 'di lang din naman talaga ako 'yung may dream dito. Parang ang daming may gusto, ang daming nangangarap na mapunta sa La Salle. And ako, sobrang thankful ako na nandito ako kasi siyempre, 'yun nga, ang laki din ng factor na sister ko si Ate,” she said.
“Ni-look up ko siya so parang, dinream ko rin na once na gusto ko maging like her.”
As for what she expects from herself, she said that it will suffice if she is able to show her wares even in her role as a rookie.
Sharing minutes with the likes of veteran setter Julyana Tolentino, Mikole said that she won’t be worrying too much about her time on the court. Rather, she simply wants to be able to show what she’s made of.
“Basta naman at the end, nasabi kong na-give ko 'yung 100% ko, like, ako din kasi personally, gusto kong lahat ng pinaghirapan ko this year, lumabas siya this UAAP,” she said.
UAAP Season 87 volleyball begins on Saturday, February 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena.