UAAP: Ateneo’s Zey Pacia ready to give it all for injury-hit Blue Eagles

Count on Zey Pacia to make up for lost time as she recently returned from a preseason injury, in attempt to help the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their bid in UAAP Season 87, after three different players have also been sidelined for the year.

 

With their lineup down to 11 for the rest of the season, Pacia was among those who stepped up to the plate — especially in their last game in the first round against the UE Lady Warriors. In a five-set thriller, Pacia ended up with a triple-double of 17 points, 14 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions.

 

Just recently getting back into the fold as well, Pacia said that she simply wanted to go all out for her team, understanding just how much they needed her at the moment.

 

[READ: UAAP: Sergio Veloso beams with pride as Ateneo adapts during injury-hit season]

 

“Yung mindset ko lang is give lang lahat. Yun din, para sa Ateneo community, para sa mga injured players namin, sila ate. Because bigay lang talaga lahat, and strong mind lang,” Pacia said.

 

But it wasn’t exactly easy for Pacia, especially as the devastating injuries to her teammates Jlo Delos Santos, Zel Tsunashima, and Sobe Buena also struck a chord with the second year player. 

 

After experiencing a similar injury herself during the Shakey’s Super League with her right knee, Pacia said that it was all about trusting her coaches and in her faith.

 

“Every time na nangyayari yung injury nung last time, sobrang naka-back lang ako, hindi ako tumitingin kasi iba pa din yung trauma,” narrated Pacia.

 

“Pero yun nga, doon mapasok niyong lagi sinasabing yung coach Sergio [Veloso] na strong mind lang lagi. And gawin lang lagi yung best pag nasa loob na court. And syempre, tiwala kayo Lord, todo dasal talaga.”

 

Fortunately for the Blue Eagles, Veloso has been very vocal and supportive of the team when it comes to developing that philosophy of having a “strong mind”, and the Brazilian has also proven that he walks his talk.

 

As part of his coaching staff, Veloso has a sports psychologist on hand as well as a mental coach to help his team deal with the comings and goings mentally both on and off the court.

 

For Pacia, who has had first-hand experience in dealing with injuries, said that it has been helpful.

 

“Sa amin po, meron kami yung sports psychologist. So may session kami every once a week po. Tapos sila yung nagbibigay ng mga exercises na mapa-strong mind po.” said Pacia.

 

“And siguro, [sa] sarili din [namin]… May own [efforts] din kami para ma-practice namin yung strong mind.” she added.

[ALSO READ: UAAP: How two former national athletes help maintain mental wellness for Ateneo Blue Eagles]

 

Thankfully for Pacia and the rest of the Blue Eagles, their persistent work in developing a strong mind throughout the season has also paid some dividends.

 

[RELATED: UAAP: AC Miner, Ateneo stave off hapless UE, snap three-game losing streak to end Round 1]

 

Midway through the season, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are in the bottom half of the standings but are looking for a respectable showing in the second round after going 2-5. But with a big win to carry them into the second half of the season, Pacia is nothing short of exhilarated.

 

“Super happy [kami with the win] kasi grabe yung sacrifice namin lahat. Tapos midterms din namin, sobra yung pagiging student athlete namin, yung balance namin. And yun, with the help of our coaches, teammates, and family.” she said.