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The moving and glitzy opening ceremony of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to mark its 96th season was one for the ages.

We're still in a pandemic but the league is soldiering on despite the challenges and adapting to the new normal by being creative in its sporting events.

One of the highlights of the spectacle was the presence of Kapuso stars taking on muse and flagbearer duties to cheer on the 10 member schools.

The Kapuso female celebrities who served as muse were Mikee Quintos, Zonia Mejia, Shaira Diaz, Ayra Mariano, Angela Alarcon, Crystal Paras, Lexi Gonzales, Pam Prinster, Ysabel Ortega, and Kyline Alcantara.

But watching from the sidelines was a former NCAA school muse herself.

It's no other than Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 co-host and beauty queen, Sophia Senoron.

We mentioned before how devoted Sophia was to her alma mater, San Beda University, during her student days.

She would make it a point to watch the games live and even tried out for the role of San Beda's courtside reporter.

But while the courtside reporter gig failed to pan out, Sophia was tapped to represent San Beda University as their muse a few years ago.

Photo by: GMA Artist Center

That was at the opening ceremony of Season 92 on June 25, 2016.

Here's another trivia: Sophia, for a time, was also a member of her school's cheering squad.

“In the first year, I was part of San Beda Red Corps, the PEP team of my school. Mahilig din ako mag-badminton and mag-tennis,” Sophia said.

Photo by: Rald Gio Baguinon

“Really, I'm just truly a fan of sports, mahilig ako manuod. Doon ko dinadala ang competitiveness ko na kahit hindi ako athlete, I'm very competitive in cheering for my team. Gusto ko ako ang pinakamalakas in cheering na nakikita sa big screen ng scoreboard.”

Such passion and fervent school spirit is what makes NCAA an exciting league.

Get to know more about Sophia in this gallery: