Wearing a different hat, Grethcel Soltones has returned home to the NCAA.
The San Sebastian College-Recoletos product sat down as a member of the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball tournament's panel during the match between Jose Rizal University and Emilio Aguinaldo College on Friday.
But for the 5-foot-7 power hitter, providing analysis on the game was much more challenging that when she's the one playing on the taraflex.
"Unang-una kinakabahan talaga ako, parang mas kabado pa ako ngayon kesa sa laro kasi siyempre dapat careful ka sa sasabihin mo," Soltones told GMA News Online in an interview.
"Dapat alam mo 'yung sinasabi mo tapos connected sa nakikita sa TV."
As it was her first time to serve as part of the panel, Soltones shared that she asked for advice from her co-commentator in Martin Javier while also doing her own research prior to the match of the Lady Generals and the Lady Bombers, who emerged victorious in straight sets.
"Good run for a first-timer kasi sabi nila, marami naman akong nasasabi kanina. Good thing is chini-cheer up ako ng senior panel ko, si Kuya Martin (Javier). Nung una pa lang, kung paano ako i-intro, kung kailan ako magsasalita kasi 'yung timing naming dalawa dapat swak," she shared.
As a player for the Lady Stags, Soltones was among their most decorated players after having bagged the MVP plum for three straight years from 2015 to 2017. Although she wasn't able to steer the school to title, Soltones remains as among the icons for the league.
And as she returns to the NCAA, Soltones is proud to witness the growth of the league she can call home.
"Mas televised na sila ngayon unlike sa time namin, semis lang tapos wala pang katao-tao. Okay din ngayon, actually malalakas naman talaga by batch, depende na lang 'yan sa talino ng paglalaro," she shared.
"Nag-improve na 'yung laro ngayon."
—JMB, GMA News
